More than 5 million individuals undergo wisdom tooth removal every year. Hence, it is one of the most common oral surgeries performed in the United States. Even though the procedure is not very complex, the days after the surgery can be very challenging, especially when it comes to deciding what to eat. Proper food selection is required to reduce pain, prevent complications like dry sockets, and enhance recovery rates.
Inappropriate eating post-extraction of the wisdom tooth may cause blood clots to dislodge, delay healing, or even cause infections. This article will guide you on what to eat after wisdom tooth removal. A day-by-day breakdown of recovery-friendly foods is provided to ensure that you heal comfortably and effectively. Whether it is the first liquid-only day or you are getting back into regular meals, this article covers everything that will help you make smart dietary choices during recovery.
Following these recommendations will help reduce pain and swelling and ensure that your body gets everything it needs to heal. So, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, pay more attention to these recommendations to make healing time smooth and stress-free.
All right, without further delay, let's get started on what you can eat from Day 1 until Day 7 to support recovery after wisdom tooth removal.
Day 1: Liquids and Rest
The first day after wisdom tooth extraction is all about rest and liquids. Your mouth will be tender, and any aggressive chewing or suction movements can dislodge the blood clot, causing complications like dry sockets. Focus on foods that take minimal effort to consume but provide hydration and nutrients.
Stick to options like lukewarm broths, pureed soups, Greek yogurt, or nutritional drinks. Smoothies composed of soft ingredients, such as bananas and yogurt, are extremely effective, but please refrain from drinking them with a straw. Using a straw creates a suction force inside your mouth, which can dislodge the healing clot and delay the healing process.
During this period, avoid hot drinks because they can irritate the wound. Water is your best ally for staying hydrated but sip gently. Foods and drinks should be at a lukewarm or room temperature to avoid sensitivity.
This stage is all about letting your body heal from the surgery without causing unnecessary irritation at the surgical site. Prioritize liquids that are rich in vitamins and minerals so your body heals from the inside out, setting the stage for a smooth recovery process.
Day 2: Introduce Soft Foods
You can start introducing soft foods on Day 2. However, avoid foods that require chewing as your mouth is still swollen and sore, and chewing can adversely affect the healing tissues. Therefore, you can only have food that's smooth and easy to swallow.
Good choices at this point are mashed potatoes, applesauce, pudding, and scrambled eggs. These are nutrient-rich and will not put too much stress on your jaw or your gums. Greek yogurt is still a good choice as it has protein that promotes tissue repair. Add some cottage cheese and creamy soups for variety.
While the urge to consume more filling foods is great, patience is a virtue. Avoid hard or sharp foods like chips or seeds as they can irritate the wound or become stuck in the extraction site. Additionally, avoid spicy or acidic foods as they will make your condition worse.
Rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep it clean, but avoid vigorous swishing. At this stage, soft foods can be slowly introduced into the diet while ensuring the mouth heals appropriately.
Day 3: Expand Your Food Choices
Day 3 tends to show improvements since the swelling and tenderness begin to dissipate, thus making it possible to take a little more widely diversified food. Semi-soft foods can also be introduced at this point to ensure you get a variety of nutrients.
You can include oatmeal, soft pasta, and avocado in your diet. Mashed bananas and well-blended smoothies are also good sources of nutritional intake without causing discomfort. Savory meals are best with soft-cooked vegetables like carrots or zucchini that are steamed until tender.
The demand for protein is high in order to heal. The best sources are scrambled eggs, soft tofu, or even tender fish like salmon, which are easy to chew and full of nutrients the body needs to repair tissue and reduce inflammation.
Be cautious with foods that tend to get stuck in small holes, like rice or quinoa, so they don't get stuck in the surgical site. Also, avoid food that is too hot or too cold, as it would irritate sensitive gums. Gentle oral hygiene practices, including rinsing with saltwater and brushing away the extraction area, should be continued as daily routines.
Day 3 is all about building on your progress, giving your body any energy it needs while still being aware of your recovery.
Day 4: More texture
Most of the initial soreness and swelling will be gone by Day 4 of the treatment, at which time you can start eating more textured food. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
You can add soft-cooked meats such as shredded chicken or pulled pork. These proteins are easy to chew and provide the building blocks your body needs for recovery. Mashed or baked sweet potatoes, with soft vegetables like spinach or squash, are great at this stage.
If you're craving something hearty, try casseroles or pasta dishes, ensuring that the components are soft and easy to manage. Avoid sauces or spices that are overly acidic or spicy, as these can irritate the healing tissue.
Chew slowly, and avoid placing food in the side of your mouth where the extraction was performed. Keep hydrating and be gentle on the healing area when rinsing after meals. Start to feel like yourself again, with a good variety and some texture.
Day 5: Introduction to Regular Food Options
By Day 5, most of the swelling and tenderness should have resolved, and the diet can be advanced to some more regular foods. Crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods still must be avoided.
On day 5, after wisdom tooth extraction, you can introduce soft textures and mushy foods. Later, you can incorporate well-cooked grains like couscous and tenderly cooked meats, such as baked fish, ground turkey, and others. Soft breads with no seeds or nuts also work. Dairy-based casseroles or lasagnas may also be a good option if they do not come too hot.
Be mindful of your chewing practice so you don't bite down near an extraction site. At this stage of healing, the goal is simple. Your diet is varied, yet you're avoiding things such as nuts, chips, or anything that has sharp edges, which can interfere with healing or open up the wound again.
It is also a great time to focus on well-balanced meals with various food groups. For example, lean proteins, soft vegetables, and the proper intake of carbohydrates can help people regain energy and strength towards recovery.
Day 6 and Day 7: Return to Usual Foods
By Day 6, your mouth should feel much better, and the extraction site should be healing. Most people can return to their normal diet by Day 7, but caution is still exercised when eating very hard or sticky foods.
Introduce complex meals like stews, soft tacos, or tender roasts. Good cooking of vegetables, soft fruits like peeled apples or peaches, and grains such as quinoa can also be introduced at this time. Chew very softly, but do not put too much pressure on the affected area.
As you approach the end of the first week, oral hygiene will be more crucial. Brush all parts of your mouth carefully, and use tools such as Sonic toothbrushes to clean it without irritating the gums.
Oral Hygiene and Recommendations
Oral hygiene will prevent infections and make healing smooth after the removal of wisdom teeth. Your mouth will be sensitive, and surgical sites are prone to irritation and bacteria during recovery. Therefore, a gentle yet effective oral care routine can make all the difference in your recovery experience.
Importance of Oral Hygiene During Recovery
You should start rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash, as recommended on the second day after the surgery, to clean up the area. Antibacterial mouthwash reduces bacteria in your mouth and prevents particles of food from settling within the extraction site. However, avoid forcefully swishing and spitting it out since this will interfere with the formed blood clot and can cause a dry socket that might expose nerves and bone inside the mouth.
Brushing the teeth may be resumed on Day 3 or 4; however, you need to avoid disturbing the surgical site. A soft-bristled toothbrush is suggested, and you can gently brush your teeth in a circular motion. That way, you can clean the teeth without interfering with healing. Avoid flossing at any extraction sites unless instructed by your dentist that it is safe.
Choosing the Right Oral Care Tools
During this time, a soft yet effective toothbrush can be very helpful. The Oclean Air 2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush is an ideal option for anyone who just had their wisdom teeth removed. Its ultra-silent technology, less than 45 dB, allows for a calming brushing experience perfect for sensitive gums. Powered by a maglev motor, it creates 80,000 movements per minute, giving an excellent clean, better than manual brushing, while still gentle enough not to irritate healing tissues.
The Oclean Air 2 is lightweight, weighing less than 95g, and can be easily maneuvered around tender areas of your mouth. Its Dupont diamond bristles, in a W shape, guarantee complete cleaning even in the most inaccessible parts of your mouth. The toothbrush is IPX7 waterproof and charges within 2.5 hours. It is thus easy to use and durable for up to 30 days on a single charge.
Gentle Brushing for Long-Term Benefits
Once you are back, using a good-quality sonic toothbrush such as Oclean Air 2 daily will ensure oral health is not compromised during recuperation and reduce the possibility of complications while establishing proper oral health in the future. A properly thought-out oral care routine and just the right tools may help you through your recovery and live a healthy oral life afterward.
The Bottom Line
Recovery after wisdom teeth extraction is not necessarily terrible. Knowing what to eat after having a wisdom tooth removed reduces discomfort and risks of complications and speeds recovery. Day 1 should be spent on liquids, while gradually going back to your favorite foods on Day 7.
The process is simple: go slow, listen to your body, and eat foods that encourage healing. At the same time, avoid foods that can damage healing tissues. Other than your food choices, proper oral care is incredibly important for complete recovery.
Following the steps mentioned in this guide will help you speed up your recovery process and promise you oral hygiene you have never experienced before.