Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction is complex. It’s not only about taking painkillers and getting enough sleep; your diet is also very important because proper meals promote quicker recovery while also relieving discomfort. But what to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
This is a very tricky question to answer because eating the wrong foods can impede your healing process and increase your chances of getting a gum infection.
1.5% to 3.7% of persons develop an infection after wisdom tooth extraction. Therefore, it is crucial to eat a soft, nutrient-rich diet following this procedure. Let’s discuss what to eat after wisdom teeth removal, as knowing what foods to eat can make a world of difference in your recovery journey.
Eating soft foods after wisdom teeth extraction is one of the best and healthiest options. Take the guesswork out of your recovery diet, Here is the list of food to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
Smoothies are a great option because they are nutrient-dense, easy to make, and can be customised to suit different tastes. You just have to grab a block of ice, your favourite fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, and protein powder, and blend it in the blender. Using ice in smoothies can relax the extraction site and reduce the swelling.
Moreover, yoghurt can fulfil your body’s protein demand and accelerate recovery, while vegetables and fruits contain high fibres that can keep your stomach full. But refrain from any kind of seeded fruit (watermelon, pomegranate, strawberries, etc.), as the seeds can get stuck in the empty socket.
If you love apples, you must be wondering if you can eat them after wisdom teeth removal. As you must have heard, eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not the dentist. Apples are crunchy, and eating one can hurt your gums after wisdom tooth extraction.
But don’t worry—you can make apple sauce. Applesauce is not only tasty but also rich in iron, zinc, vitamins B and C, and much more. Eating this tasty and healthy food requires little jaw movement, making it ideal for consuming after wisdom teeth removal. Moreover, it helps in healing, enhancing immunity, and reducing pain.
Moving on to the next, we have Greek yogurt in our What to eat after wisdom teeth removal answer list. Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics and protein( 10 gm per 100 gm), which helps in tissue recovery and gut health.
Due to its high protein content, Greek yogurt also promotes bone healing. It is creamy and yummy, which makes it among the great options of food to eat after tooth extraction.
Mashed potatoes are among the most comforting, easy to chew, and high-caloric wisdom teeth recovery foods. Potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C (helps in collagen formation)and carbohydrates which provide high energy for speedy recovery. You can add butter and cream to mashed potatoes to enhance their taste and nutrients.
Note: Diabetic patients should avoid eating mashed potatoes as it increases blood glucose levels in the blood.
It is recommended to take broths and soups during the first week after your wisdom tooth removal. They are easy to eat, digest, and hydrate too. They also help in electrolyte balancing. You can make blended tomatoes and curry pumpkin soups as they provide extra nutrition and are not irritant to the surgical site.
You can add your favourite legumes to the soups because they are high in micronutrients. Beef, turkey, and chicken broths are particularly helpful in connective and bone tissue formation. Always eat broth and soups at room temperature, and make sure your soups are without any big chunks.
Soft, affordable, and high in protein, scrambled eggs are essential for timely healing. They are easy to make and chew and can be seasoned with mild herbs and cheese. They are not only rich in amino acids but have high quantities of:
Another high protein (11gm per 100gm ), low gum hurting yet low caloric food on the list of what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. It is a fantastic choice for people who want to add more calcium to their diet for not only recovery from wisdom tooth extraction but for their general bone health too.
Avocados are smooth and soft, making them a fantastic option for food after wisdom tooth removal. They are rich in healthy fats that promote tissue healing and give you energy. They are creamy and full of essential nutrients. They help in natural detoxification and prevent osteoporosis.
Hummus is a Middle Eastern savoury dish that is smooth, creamy, and rich in essential lipids and amino acids. Hummus is traditionally or commonly eaten with pita bread or chips but you cannot eat it like this due to its crunchy texture.
Instead, you should eat it with a spoon after your wisdom tooth extraction. Hummus is also a good source of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and copper which enable it to ease inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Since boneless fish fillets have a rich nutritional composition and soft texture, they are great dietary options following wisdom tooth extraction. These fillets include a high quantity of amino acids, which are necessary for tissue regeneration, wound healing, and inflammation reduction.
Many boneless fish, like Salmon and Mackerel, also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory qualities that lessen pain and oedema. In addition, these good fats help boost immunity. Steam or bake the boneless fish fillets until they are tender and flaky enough to chew easily and comfortably.
Although many individuals like spicy food, it’s beneficial to avoid it right after wisdom tooth removal. Foods high in spices have the potential to worsen the extraction site, increasing discomfort, inflammation, and possibly infection. Also, spices can burn your tongue and make you even more uncomfortable. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
If you are preparing for wisdom teeth removal in Paramus Park, NJ, it’s important to eat well and nutritious food for a quick and easy recovery. Focus on easily chewable, high-protein foods like Greek yoghurt, versatile smoothies, yummy applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
Don’t let uncertainty about your diet affect your healing process. If you need personalised advice for your particular case, consult Wisdom teeth experts in Paramus Park, NJ. Nourish your way to recovery!