Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that helps relieve discomfort in your mouth. The good news is that the recovery time doesn’t typically take very long. With the right foods, you can speed up your recovery and reduce discomfort.
Go-To Food Selections for After Your Wisdom Tooth Removal
After wisdom tooth removal surgery, it is essential to avoid hot and spicy foods that may irritate your gums and cause discomfort.
Instead, opt for cold and soft food, which can help reduce discomfort, swelling, and inflammation.
Soups & Purees
Soups and purees may be the most obvious options when it comes to foods you can eat without chewing. Soups and purees are easy to swallow and provide many nutrients your body needs. You can make soups from scratch or opt for pre-made versions that come in cans or cartons. Plenty of pureed foods are available, such as mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash, and apple sauce. Not only are these options delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
Avoid eating foods that are too hot. Let soups and purees cool down before you enjoy them.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a quick and convenient way to get many nutrients in one go. You can blend up a mix of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to create a delicious and filling drink. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your dietary needs and taste preferences. For example, if you need more protein, you could add some Greek yogurt or protein powder.
It is important not to suck your smoothie through a straw for a few days after your wisdom tooth extraction, as the negative pressure created in your mouth when sucking through a straw can cause the extraction site to bleed.
Puddings & Yogurt
Puddings and yogurts are delicious snacks you don’t have to chew. They’re creamy and satisfying. You can opt for classic flavours like vanilla or chocolate or try something a little different, like banana or lemon. These are also a great option if you need a quick snack between meals.
Sorbets & Ice Cream
For a refreshing treat, you can indulge in sorbets or ice cream. While this may not seem like a nutritious option, you can find plenty of low-fat, low-sugar options. Be sure to take small bites or let it melt in your mouth to minimize the need for chewing.
Enjoying cold snacks can also help reduce swelling and inflammation at your surgery site.
Soft Foods
You can enjoy a variety of soft foods that are easy to swallow yet filling. Examples include cooked vegetables, well-cooked meats such as chicken or fish, and soft cheeses. These options can make mealtime less stressful and can still taste delicious when seasoned with herbs and spices.
Get Your Vitamins & Nutrients to Promote Healing
Your body needs vitamins and nutrients to function properly, and part of your body’s healthy function is to heal itself after an injury or surgery.
Enjoy Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is an essential nutrient your body uses in its recovery process. Incorporating protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, and fish into your diet can help your gums and tissue heal faster. You can avoid solid foods by enjoying protein shakes or smoothies that contain protein powders or nut butter.
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Eating a diet rich in collagen-boosting foods can help promote quick soft tissue healing. Foods high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, bell peppers, and kale, can help boost collagen production. Other foods like bone broth, salmon, and avocado are also high in collagen-boosting nutrients such as amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Soft fruits, like strawberries, kiwi, and oranges, are easy to eat, which makes them an excellent choice after surgery.
Stay Hydrated
After any surgery, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make your mouth dry, so drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids like coconut water, herbal tea, or soup broths (make sure they aren’t too hot). Drinks with acidic or carbonated content may irritate freshly removed wisdom teeth.
Helps Flush Toxins
When your body is recovering from surgery, it works hard to eliminate toxins that can build up in your system. Adequate hydration can help flush toxins and prevent complications like infection and swelling.
Promotes Wound Healing
Staying hydrated can also help promote wound healing. After surgery, your body needs extra energy and nutrients to heal properly. Water and other fluids help transport these nutrients to the injury site and remove waste products, allowing the cells to regenerate and repair.
Prevents Dehydration
Surgery can sometimes cause a loss of fluid from the body. This can happen for several reasons, including fasting before surgery or certain medications used in anesthesia. Dehydration can lead to delays in recovery.
Boosts Energy Levels
Surgery can make you feel tired and fatigued for a few days, but staying hydrated can help boost your energy levels and help with a quick recovery. Adequate hydration helps your body receive the appropriate amount of oxygen, which is essential to keep your body functioning in optimal condition.
Avoid Hard & Chewy Foods
Avoid foods that are hard and chewy, like nuts, chips, and candy. Consuming these foods can extend your recovery, and you might end up with some food debris lodged in the extraction site. Additionally, smoking, drinking carbonated drinks, and alcohol consumption should be eliminated from your diet for optimal recovery.
Consult Your Dentist for More Information
Proper nutrition after a wisdom teeth removal procedure can help speed up your recovery process and reduce any discomfort. If you have any questions regarding your diet post-surgery, always talk to your dentist for counsel.
