Tooth Extraction Dentist: Post-Surgery Wisdom Teeth Foods
You’ve already gotten through the hard part of wisdom tooth extraction—the actual extraction part. Now comes the post-op care. White Tooth Dental provides all patients with comprehensive aftercare instructions, but one of the most common questions we get is, “What can I eat?” Dr. Kristina Pahuta and Dr. Ron Temple, our Toronto dentists, have put together a handy list of wisdom teeth foods to pick and avoid.
#1: Savour Soft Foods
You probably saw this coming. “Soft” is the keyword you’ll hear when talking about your post-surgery diet. The idea is to give your mouth and jaw a break. We also don’t want to irritate your extraction site—no one wants a tortilla chip jabbing the place where a tooth was removed! Some common soft foods patients reach for:
- Mashed Potatoes: This comfort-food favourite is comforting for a reason. Creamy, filling, and homey, it’s a common wisdom tooth food.
- Yogurt: Packed with gut-healthy probiotics, this snack is also cool and can feel soothing if your mouth is sore.
- Applesauce: For a little sweet treat that’s still gentle post-surgery, applesauce is a great pick. It can also be repurposed later for applesauce bread when you’re ready to incorporate more solid food.
- Eggs: Get some protein without stressing out your teeth and jaw! Supposedly, there are 100 ways to cook an egg, so you have plenty of options.
- Jell-O and Pudding: These options will make you feel like a kid again. Fun and easy to eat, these also come in a variety of flavours to keep things interesting.
#2: Nosh on Nourishing Treats
While our team at White Tooth Dental wants you to take it easy following your wisdom tooth extraction, we still want you to stay healthy. In fact, eating nourishing foods can help with the healing process. Try out:
- Smoothies and Shakes: Fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and protein powder are all ingredients that can sustain you until you return to eating solid food. Try not to listen to your sweet tooth too much, and avoid adding ice cream to the mix.
- Oatmeal: This can be zhuzhed up with all kinds of mix-ins like fruit, nut butters, and honey. Get creative while still taking it easy.
- Soups and Bisques: This option will nourish both your body and your soul. A warm bowl of tomato basil, butternut squash, lobster bisque, or chowder could be just what the doctor (or dentist) ordered.
#3: Avoid Aggravation
In general, it’s safer not to eat hard or chewy foods after your wisdom tooth removal. However, there are some specific foods our Toronto tooth extraction dentist advises you to skip:
- Crunchy Snacks: In other words, avoid foods with pointy or sharp edges, as these can jab at your gums and irritate the extraction site.
- Hard Candies: Biting down on these is tough on the jaw, and your jaw will likely already be a little stressed and tender from being open during surgery.
- Spicy Treats: Hot foods already cause your mouth to tingle. Now imagine it on a healing extraction site—ouch! Stick with mild flavours for the time being.
- Bubbly Drinks: A 2016 study in the Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research found that carbonated drinks can interfere with healing after oral surgery. Choose still water or juices until you’ve recovered.
#4: Heed Our Healing Tips
To get back to your routine and diet as quickly as possible, follow our personalized aftercare instructions. We also offer a few general pieces of advice:
- Don’t Use a Straw: You might assume straws would make your life easier post-extraction, but the suction can dislodge the clot that forms in the extraction site. Sip instead!
- Eat Slowly and Mindfully: Pay attention to how your teeth and jaw respond to foods as you reintroduce more solid meals. Mindfulness not only helps protect your mouth as it heals but also aids in digestion.
- Practice Good Habits: We know it can be scary to clean your teeth and mouth after surgery, but it’s crucial to your recovery. You can rinse with salt water for both cleaning and pain relief, and we can give you tips on how to brush the rest of your smile gently.
Food Is Still Your Friend After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Don’t think of post-extraction wisdom teeth foods as limiting. Instead, think of your diet as a bespoke menu designed to cater to your recovery needs. By choosing your snacks and drinks wisely, you can avoid interfering with the healing process and actually help promote your recovery. White Tooth Dental can help you with your post-surgery diet. Contact us for your own personalized wisdom tooth information. Bon appétit and get well soon!
