Optimal Diet After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Foods to Eat and Avoid
Jun 27, 2023
Wisdom teeth are also called the molars (back teeth). They come through last and furthest back in our mouth, usually in our late teens or early 20s. According to the ADA (American Dental Association), we remove wisdom teeth if they cause problems or are likely to be in the future. After wisdom teeth removal surgery, adequate vitamin and protein supplements cannot be absent. Good nutrition can speed up the restoration of oral health. So, what foods should you eat after the removal? This article can give you a good reference.
Need to Eat
After removing a wisdom tooth, you may think you should eat bland foods. Of course, this is a valid idea. According to the National Health Service (NHS), people should try to eat soft or liquid foods for a few days after surgery. Here are the three most recommended mild and non-irritating foods. They can help patients recover.
Nutritious Blend Soup
Thick soups like bone broth and blended soups like pumpkin or tomato soup. They are ideal for consumption after wisdom teeth removal. They are also easy to eat and do not contain substances that irritate wounds. This diet helps you meet your daily nutritional recommendations when you can't eat many whole fruits or vegetables. Besides, vegetable soups are often rich in vitamins and minerals. Broth also gives you high-quality protein. Ensure the soup is warm or cold, as soup that is too hot can cause irritation. Also, blend the soup mixture as smoothly as possible to avoid lumps.
Yogurt
Yogurt has a smooth, light consistency and is easy to eat. You can choose from a variety of fruit flavors to match. High-quality yogurt is a healthy food rich in protein, calcium, zinc, etc. Additionally, studies have shown that adequate zinc intake can promote wound healing. It has a creamy texture that is very calming and can help numb the mouth. When you're struggling with what to eat after removal, yogurt can be a great option.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. They are a source of high-quality protein. Choose eggs with more omega-3 fats, which can help with wound healing. While eggs cooked in many ways are usually soft, scrambled eggs may be easier to chew and swallow. It provides all the nutrition of eggs. Egg whites are also an option, but eating the yolks with them will provide more nutrients and calories to fuel your recovery.
Not to Eat
You know you should eat some mild liquid food after wisdom teeth removal, so what can't you eat? I will list three foods you should never eat after surgery and see if you guessed it right.
Alcohol
Alcoholic foods and drinks may irritate the wound. Furthermore, drinking alcohol will speed up blood circulation, and it is unsuitable to speed up blood circulation for faster wound healing after tooth extraction. Even worse, it can interact with prescription medications, so it's best avoided for at least 2 weeks during recovery.
Spicy Food
Many people like to eat spicy food, but we all know to avoid it after wisdom teeth removal. After the wisdom teeth are pulled out, recovery will take at least one to two weeks. So within two weeks, you should not eat all kinds of irritating food and pay attention to keeping your mouth clean and avoid spicy food. Avoid too greasy food is also vital.
hard or brittle foods
The wound may bleed after wisdom teeth extraction. Hard foods can cause painful swelling of the gums, which may rebleed. Crunchy foods such as biscuits can leave residue in the wound, which is not conducive to recovery.
Other Tips You Should Pay Attention
Possible symptoms: You may experience pain for a few days after the procedure. Take pain medication as directed by your doctor, if needed. A small amount of oozing and swelling are common. Ice packs can reduce your painful swelling.
Be mindful of your eating habits: don't swirl food or drink around in your mouth. This can interfere with blood clotting, interfering with the healthy recovery of the gums. Do not use a straw to drink water because using a straw will cause pressure in the mouth, which is unsuitable for wound healing.
A nutritious diet is essential. Because it helps reduce swelling, minimizes the risk of complications, and aids in wound healing.