Wisdom teeth, better known as the third molars that, develop at the back of the mouth. They usually do not have enough space to fit in or grow, and hence, they impact the nearby teeth often, which is why wisdom teeth extraction should be carried out. Though wisdom teeth extraction is not a very painful process, the aftermath is what needs to be taken care of in order to have a pain-free healing journey. 

One of the crucial aspects to focus on during recovery is diet intake to prevent any further infections and complications. From delicious smoothies to comforting soups that are mild and lukewarm, there is a wide range of soft foods you can choose from in the initial days of your wisdom tooth extraction. To understand it better, let us have a look at the timeline and diet to follow.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Timeline for Foods

It is highly advisable to follow a certain timeline for food intake right after your wisdom tooth extraction. Following the timeline can be the first step in your recovery. Here is the food timeline for the first week after the extraction.

Now that we are familiar with the food timeline for the first week of wisdom tooth extraction, let us have a detailed study of daily food intake after the extraction to gain a better understanding. 

Different foods to eat

Consuming nutritious food and staying hydrated are the two things to keep in mind for a smooth and healthy recovery phase. Make sure that you include healthy foods that are loaded with vitamins and minerals without fail. Having said that, let us dive into different varieties of foods that are ideal for post-wisdom tooth extraction surgery. 

• Avocados

Avocados are known for their health benefits, and having them after the surgery can be filling and nutritious as they are a blend of vitamins K, C, and potassium. You can either mash it into a paste or toss it in a blender into a fine smoothie to have it every day. The smooth and supple nature of avocado makes it easy to eat after tooth surgery.

• Eggs

Eggs have a high composition of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron, selenium, and B12. Scrambled eggs are the best option after dental surgery, as the semi-soft nature of the eggs can be an ideal choice once you are ready to chew with your teeth gradually.  

• Smoothies

Smoothies are the best choice for you post-extraction as you can blend ripe fruits like banana, melon, peach, and many more along with protein powders and have these soft foods in the morning and in the evenings when you still cannot have solid meals. Green leafy vegetables, oats, milk, and honey can also be the best choices while making smoothies. They are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats that help you have a faster recovery.

• Oatmeal

Being high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, oats serve as the best meal post-dental surgery. As oats are sticky and a little hard to chew when compared to other soft foods, you can wait and have them when you are ready to chew without any discomfort, i.e., 2-3 days after the tooth extraction. Keep in mind that oats without any nuts or seeds should be eaten, as they might disrupt your chewing and cause pain during recovery.

• Soups

Soups such as tomato and pumpkin are a great source of diet during the first five days of the surgery as they are easily consumable and don’t require any chewing from your end. As the soups are usually made with a blend of veggies and legumes, which are loaded with micronutrients, they can also aid you with recovery and keep you hydrated.

• Ice cream and milkshakes

Ice cream and milkshakes are allowed after a certain period of time, as the cooling nature of ice cream and milkshakes can soothe the soaring wound and help you relax. The only thing to keep in mind is to avoid any crunchy seeds and dry fruits in the ice cream or milkshake flavors you choose.

The foods that are mentioned above can make your healing journey smooth with their varied health benefits and textures. Now that we have an idea of which foods to take let us have a glimpse of the foods to avoid after wisdom tooth extraction.

Foods to avoid

Ensuring a smooth recovery after dental surgery involves not only adopting a suitable diet but also being mindful of the foods to avoid. A careful selection of foods can significantly contribute to the healing process and minimize discomfort.

• Spicy foods

 Spicy foods of any sort are to be avoided completely, as they might irritate the wound and aggravate the already existing discomfort.

• Crunchy foods

Crunchy foods like biscuits, chips, and cookies are harmful to your oral health after surgery as they can get stuck in the jaws or even in the surgical area, thereby causing severe infections and complications. 

• Hot foods

 It is always best to avoid eating or drinking hot foods after the dental extraction, as they might irritate the surgical wound and elevate the pain. 

• Alcohol

 Alcohol should be avoided at all costs, as it not only damages your overall health but also interrupts your healing process in every way. 

• Grains, seeds, and nuts

As grains, seeds, and nuts are hard to chew, they can disturb the surgical area, resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes infection when the pieces are left behind in the jaws.

Conclusion

Post-dental surgery should be taken care of meticulously, as a simple dietary change can bring about a drastic change in the recovery process. It is highly recommended to stick to soft and semi-solid foods until you are completely recovered and are able to eat hard foods. A regular nutritious diet, followed by seeking a doctor’s advice if needed, can lead to a successful and smooth recovery. For personalized dental care, consider reaching out to Gnathos Dental – your partner in post-surgery well-being. Schedule a consultation today for expert advice tailored to your specific needs.