Somewhere in the late teens to mid-20s, wisdom teeth begin to appear. In certain situations, such as if they are impacted or there is not enough space for them, your dentist may recommend that you have them removed. While it may sound scary, this procedure is very common.
With a highly skilled oral surgeon, the recovery process should go rather smoothly and you will be on the road to a fast recovery. There is just one thing - you have to know the right foods to eat.
Why Choosing the Right Food Matters
After having your wisdom teeth removed, the surgical site in your mouth is trying to heal. This wound can be impacted by the foods that you choose to eat. They will either benefit your recovery or put you at risk for complications and infection - primarily due to trapped food debris.
Changing up your diet during your time of healing is rather simple as long as you adopt the right perspective. See, the key is to focus on the foods that you can have rather than the foods you have to get rid of.
Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before you head to your oral surgeon for your wisdom tooth removal, it is a good idea to stock your kitchen up with the foods you will be able to eat after you have your wisdom teeth removed. This will include a mixture of foods you will need immediately following your oral surgery and throughout your healing time.
The first couple of days after your wisdom teeth are removed, liquid foods and soft foods are best. And this includes things like:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Soups
- Jello
- Smoothies
While it may sound exciting to eat ice cream for every meal, you need vitamins and minerals to help your body make its way through the healing process. Soups and smoothies packed with fruits, veggies, and other good stuff will help you feel full and also provide the nutrition you need.
Once it is safe to do so, you can move on to semi-soft foods such as:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Soft or mashed vegetables
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
Worst Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Just as there are good foods to eat, there are bad foods, too. Indulging in these foods can put you at risk because the surgical site can become irritated and sore - and, in some cases, food can get lodged inside the surgical site which can be dangerous.
To avoid any unnecessary issues, avoid foods that are:
- Crunchy foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, seeds, etc. as pieces can damage the sensitive area and may even reopen the surgical site.
- Spicy foods and citric/acidic foods can cause irritation.
- Small grains, such as rice, quinoa, and couscous can get trapped in the surgical site.
The great news is that there are a ton of foods that you can eat to ensure you heal properly from this oral surgery.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Upper West Side Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers wisdom tooth removal by our dual degree, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Park. If you are looking for an oral surgeon that surpasses your expectations, look no further.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-466-6984. Or, request an appointment online.