Having your wisdom teeth removed is somewhat of a rite of passage for many young adults. Thankfully, it’s become so commonplace that your dentist now has many years of experience and wisdom to help make your procedure and healing process go a lot smoother.
Once you head home from your extraction, your healing process begins, and part of that process includes some important but temporary dietary changes. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) be eating while you recover from wisdom tooth removal.
Keep it Cool
In the days immediately following your extraction, it is best to avoid hot foods and beverages. While soups and oatmeal may be easier to eat, be sure to only serve them at room temperature or cooler to keep pain and inflammation to a minimum. You should be able to enjoy warmer meals within about three days post-procedure.
Caffeine Free
Because it can dilate your blood vessels, caffeine can make it harder to stop your extraction site from bleeding and forming a clot. Thus, avoid both hot or cold caffeinated drinks for at least two to three days.
No Straws
Straws may seem like a good idea when your mouth is in pain, but actually the opposite is true. Sucking on a straw creates pressure that can dislodge the clot in your extraction site, causing a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket must be treated by your dentist and in addition to the discomfort could leave you vulnerable to an increased risk of infection.
Healthy Meal Options
Maintaining a nutritious diet while recovering can certainly limit your choices. After all, many of your favorite healthy foods may require a bit of chewing. Thankfully, there are still a variety of soft choices that are both good and good for you, including:
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt/ Greek yogurt
- Hummus
- Mashed potatoes
- Instant oatmeal
- Cottage cheese
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
- Warm (not hot!) broth
Unfortunately, there are a few favorites that you should avoid for at least the first three days after your procedure, but you can introduce them back into your diet again once your dentist gives you the green light and you feel comfortable enjoying them again.
- Nuts or seeds
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Chewy foods
- Crunchy foods
Remember, the changes to your diet following your wisdom tooth extraction are temporary, so hang in there! Soon, you’ll be able to sip that mocha and savor that slice of pizza again pain free. In the meantime, stick to the approved foods list for faster healing. If you want a little treat, you can even have some Jello or ice cream, just don’t fill up entirely on sweets!
About Our Practice
The team at Richland Dental is more than just another dental clinic, we’re a family, and when you’re our patient, you’re family too. That’s why we strive to get to know each and every person who comes into our office. We believe that creating lasting relationships with our patients makes it easier for them to feel comfortable with caring for their own oral health, whether they’re here in the chair or their own home.
To schedule an appointment for wisdom tooth extraction, please visit our website or call us today at 972-200-8006.