Eating After Wisdom Teeth Removal vs. Regular Teeth Removal
Removing a wisdom tooth is similar to removing a regular tooth, but it can be more difficult. Wisdom teeth are often further back into the mouth and may be harder to see. If a wisdom tooth didn’t grow properly, it might be under the skin.
This type of removal is called a surgical extraction and takes longer to heal. But no matter what type of tooth is removed, it’s important to eat soft foods for the first few days.
Best Foods to Eat After a Tooth Extraction (0-2 Days)
Eat soft foods to avoid hurting your mouth, such as:
- Yogurt (frozen or regular, without fruit bits or nuts).
- Jelly.
- Ice cream, sorbet, or milkshake.
- Lukewarm soups.
- Pudding.
- Eggs.
- Soggy cereal (oatmeal).
- Well-cooked pasta.
Wait at least an hour before eating any hot food item. Your face will still be numb, and you could burn yourself.
Foods to Eat 2-5 Days After a Tooth Extraction
By the second day, you can start eating hot foods again. The blood clot will be stronger and less likely to cause bleeding.
Eat foods that are easy for you to chew, such as:
- Bread.
- Yogurt (frozen or regular, with or without fruit bits).
- Pasta.
- Noodles.
- Soft vegetables (including mashed potatoes).
- Ground beef.
- Chicken.
- Minced foods.
- Eggs.
- Cheese.
- Soups.
Final Recovery Period (After 5 Days)
By now, you might feel ready to try different foods.
Now, how easily you can eat harder foods will depend on how smoothly your extraction went. Remember, we can only guide–if you’re not comfortable with the suggested foods, stick to softer options a bit longer.
What Not to Eat After a Tooth Extraction Procedure?
- Avoid solid and crunchy foods – these can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Examples include chips, nuts, hard candy, and popcorn.
- Don’t eat or drink extremely hot foods or beverages – they can be uncomfortable and delay healing.
- Stay away from spicy foods – chili peppers, garlic, and ginger can cause inflammation and pain.
- Avoid acidic foods – citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pickles can irritate the extraction site and cause sensitivity.
- Don’t eat chewy foods – steak and jerky can irritate the area and dislodge the blood clot.
- Don’t drink alcohol – Alcohol can interfere with healing and prolong recovery.
In Summary
Complications after tooth extraction are super rare, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and take care of the extraction site, including what to eat. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, see a dentist immediately.
Contact Citrus Smiles Dental Studio if you have any concerns. For emergencies, call our Murphy dental clinic at (972) 472-8862, our Wylie dental clinic at (972) 474-3849, or our Heath dental clinic at (972) 433-6500.