Wisdom teeth are additional molars that develop in the back of the mouth and typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they can become impacted, grow in at the wrong angle, or create spacing issues in the mouth, wisdom teeth are often removed.
During an extraction procedure, surgeons typically use either local or general anesthesia. If the wisdom teeth become impacted in either the gums or jawbone, the surgeon will make incisions to extract them. Once the teeth have been extracted, the site is cleaned, stitches are added to close the wound, and gauze is placed over the area.
Following a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, it is important to avoid things that could dislodge stitches or blood clots. Smoking, drinking from a straw, and physical exertion are a few things that should be avoided following extraction surgery as they can all interfere with blood clot formation and exacerbate bleeding. What the patient eats is also important as certain foods can cause irritation, get trapped in the extraction pockets, or damage the wound.
Read on to learn more about what to eat following wisdom tooth extraction.
What to Eat Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Just after a wisdom tooth extraction and while recovering, it is recommended to stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods. Because these foods require minimal chewing, pain or irritation are minimized. Hard foods should be avoided as they could damage, or become trapped in, the extraction site. Some examples of soft foods and liquids that are ideal following extraction include:
* Yogurt
* Apple sauce
* Cottage cheese
* Jell-O
* Pudding
* Ice cream
* Smoothies
* Soups or broths (temperature should not be too hot)
Besides being minimally irritating, cold foods such as ice cream, smoothies, and Jell-O can also provide soothing relief. To promote healing, nutrient-rich smoothies and soups are recommended with soup in particular since it helps balance out the more sugary options to choose from.
Once the wound begins to heal, normal foods can gradually be incorporated. Before progressing to foods like meat, vegetables, and fruits, start gently with semisoft foods like oatmeal, toast, and scrambled eggs.
What to Avoid Eating Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While the above list is advisable following wisdom tooth extraction, there are certain foods that should be avoided in the initial days following treatment. The following foods and beverages should be avoided for at least a week until the wound has healed:
* Spicy or acidic foods (like citrus juice) that can cause irritation and discomfort.
* Seeds and grains (such as rice or couscous) that can easily get trapped in the extraction wound.
* Foods that are hard, crunchy, or difficult to chew that can reopen stitches and prolong healing (nuts, jerky, chips, candy).
* Alcohol can irritate the area an have negative interactions with prescribed pain medications provided by the doctor.
In addition to these foods and drinks, smoking or the use of tobacco should be avoided for a minimum of 72 hours following surgery as it can greatly raise the risk of complication.