Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars located at the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth usually come out between 17 and 25 years, and in most cases, you will have your wisdom teeth removed. They are either impacted and do not come out normal or come out in a wrong angle.
To remove your wisdom teeth, the surgeon has to use any form of sedation or anesthesia. The surgeon will most likely begin making an incision, removing the bone that blocks access to the wisdom teeth’ root, and then removing the wisdom teeth. Once removed, the surgeon will clean the area, stitch the incision, and place gauze on site.
Once the procedure is complete, it is vital to keep an eye on what you’re eating. For faster heals, soft foods or liquids will be the best option as they do not irritate the extraction site nor lead to infections. Always listen to your doctor’s advice on what to eat following surgery.
What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After removing your wisdom teeth and during the period of its recovery, start with liquids and soft food items where you do not have to chew.
Hard items might damage or get stuck in the surgical area and can lead to pain or infection
Some items you can start with are:
- yogurt & smoothies
- sauces
- soups
- mashed potatoes
- puddings & ice cream
Soups and smoothies will help heal the wound, and cold items like ice-cream will relieve pain and discomfort. Once your wound starts to heal, you can slowly begin with everyday food items: eggs, oatmeals first before moving on to meat, fruits, and vegetables.
What Not To Eat After A Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Make sure you avoid some types of food items until there is a recovery on the surgical site.
- Spicy and acidic foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Types of rice and quinoa
- Nuts and chips
You should also avoid smoking or using any type of tobacco for a minimum of 72 hours after surgery, as it can severely increase the risk of complications. Don’t use chewing tobacco for at least a week.
What is the Recovery timeline?
During the initial 24 hours, consume only liquids and soft foods. Cold foods will help with the discomfort. Once you start feeling better, you can then begin consuming solid foods. Slowly increase the intake of your solid foods. If you experience pains, go back to soft and wait till you come back to solid foods. In many cases, people have resumes to normal eating in 7 – 10 days.
Takeaway
By following the doctor’s instructions and eating correctly, most people quickly heal from wisdom teeth removal.
If you want to learn more, consult with our dentists on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery and Implant Center. You can call us at 281-667-0607 to schedule a consultation today. We have a solution to all your oral health problems.