What to eat after wisdom teeth removal? Day by Day

Are you having your wisdom teeth removed soon?

It’s normal to have many questions about what to eat. 

After surgery, you may experience some swelling and slight discomfort. Adjusting your foods that are easier to chew will help with the discomfort and the healing process.

In the first 24 hours after surgery, it is ideal to focus on easy-to-eat, comforting foods that will support your healing process. Foods with minimal chewing such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, porridge, and other foods that are the consistency of purees are some examples.

Then, you can gradually introduce semi-solid foods and then progress to your regular diet. 

To make your recovery easier, we have prepared a simple guide on what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, from day 1 to day 6

What foods can be eaten after wisdom teeth removal?

It's normal to feel some discomfort after getting your wisdom teeth removed.

That's why you must stick to a diet during your recovery period that could last 2 weeks..

Your dentist will probably advise you to drink plenty of water and eat soft foods that you can easily handle. Do not use a straw to drink any liquids such as soups or other purees.

Eating enough nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals is vital for wound healing. Not getting enough of these nutrients can slow down the healing process.

With the right diet, you can prevent a dry socket by not losing the blood clot that forms at the site of extraction.

Sometimes, the bacteria that forms in the socket can cause an infection that will slow down the healing process and cause more pain.

A diet that reduces inflammation and maximizes your immune system will reduce swelling and speed up healing. 

Many delicious foods will help you recover:

• Blended soups and broth
• Applesauce
• Greek yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Mashed bananas
• Scrambled eggs
• Avocado
• Frozen mashed banana 
• Smoothies
• Instant oatmeal 
• Hummus
• Pudding
• Tofu
• Salmon 
• Mashed pumpkin

And more!

What to eat in the days following wisdom tooth extraction

Your diet will evolve as the days pass, but the first day may be the most difficult before you can gradually start eating semi-solid foods again.

These liquid and soft foods are exactly what your body needs after surgery and you’ll enjoy them as they help ease the swelling discomfort.

It may take up to 2 weeks to recover, but you won’t have to eat soft foods for that whole time. 

You'll only need to stick to a soft diet for a few days or until you can comfortably chew again.

What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: Day 1

For the first 24 hours, consume only lukewarm or cold liquids as your main diet:

• Blended soups like tomato or pumpkin soup are easy to consume, require no chewing, and won't irritate the surgical sites.

• Broths are a good choice for getting the nourishment and hydration you need in the first few days.

• Smoothies can help you get more nutrients when you can't eat a regular meal. They are easy to make, and can be used in many different ways: Smoothies with Greek yogurt or protein powder can help you get more protein, while ones with lots of fruit can help you get more fiber.

Also, remember to prioritize water and herbal teas over hot drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, as the latter can worsen swelling and cause dehydration.

What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: Day 2 and 3

As you move into the second and third days after having your wisdom teeth removed, you can start incorporating more substantial foods into your diet:

• Mashed potatoes are high in calories and nutrients, which are important for recovery. Adding butter, milk, or water can help make the mashed potatoes smoother.

• Greek yogurt is a healthy, creamy food that might help ease and numb your mouth after dental surgery. It is packed with protein, vitamins, and important minerals like calcium and zinc.

• Scrambled eggs are an excellent soft food to start eating once you’re able to chew slowly with your other teeth. They’re a good source of protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, and selenium.

• Applesauce is a smooth, healthy option made from pureed, skinless, and cored apples and rich in vitamin C.

However, make sure to avoid the following to help with your recovery:

• Spicy foods.
• Acidic foods and beverages.
• Steaming hot foods and drinks. 
• Chips, popcorn, cookies. 
• Grains, seeds, and nuts. 
• Candy.
• Carbonated beverages like soda. 
• Alcohol.

What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: Day 4 to 7

Between days 4 and 7, your mouth will begin to heal, allowing you to start eating semi-solid foods.

These foods are soft and won't irritate the area where you had surgery:

• When pasta is cooked until very soft, it becomes comforting and easy to chew.

• Ripe Bananas are easy to chew, savor, and swallow after dental surgery when you're ready to start chewing gradually.

• Steamed carrots and broccoli are soft and full of important nutrients. They are easy to eat without much chewing.

• Oatmeal and porridge are nutritious and filling. They are good sources of fiber and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

Keep in mind these extra tips:

• Pay attention to how your body responds to food. 
• Chew slowly and see how your mouth handles the food. 
• If a certain food causes pain or discomfort, avoid it for a few days. Introduce one new food at a time to identify any issues.

Need more information about wisdom tooth extraction? 

Knowing what to eat after wisdom teeth removal day by day can help you plan your meals and maintain a nutrient-rich diet for a smooth recovery.

If you have any questions regarding wisdom tooth extraction, other procedures, or recovery, do not hesitate to contact Junction Family Dental Care. We are ready to help you.

Book your appointment here.