Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Removal

If you recently had your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s likely that your gums are swollen, painful, and tender.

It may require several weeks to recover from the removal of a wisdom tooth, as per theAmerican Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Therefore, you should consume soft foods and generally take it easy in the days after your procedure.

Here’s the essential information on which foods to steer clear of following wisdom tooth extraction for a hassle-free recovery.

Wisdom ToothRemoval Diet

Each person’s surgery and recovery experience varies. Therefore, it’s important to adhere to your doctor’s specific guidance when reintroducing solid foods into your meals after the procedure.

I tell patients that there are usually no strict rules that everyone needs to adhere to, saysLouis K. Rafetto, DMD, a board-certified oral surgeon located in Wilmington, Delaware. Nevertheless, there are recommendations to steer clear of hard or crispy foods and instead opt for soft, nutritious, and delicious options.

In general, here’s a possible schedule for your diet after wisdom tooth extraction, according to theUniversity of Washington Dental School (UWSD):

• For the first two days following the removal of your wisdom tooth, you should focus solely on a liquid diet and soft foods.
• On the third day, you are usually able to begin consuming soft foods that only need minimal chewing.
• Approximately one week following your treatment, you should be able to resume regular meals.

Foods to Steer Clear Of Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction

To aid in your complete recovery, refer to this list of foods that you should typically avoid following wisdom tooth extraction.

Spicy Foods

Love a spicy kick in your meals? Sorry, but during recovery, you should avoid hot foods that may irritate the surgical area, according to theUWSD.

Certain fiery foods to avoid during the initial three days or so of your recovery are:

• Hot sauce
• Hot peppers such as chilies or jalapenos
• Spicy curries

Acidic Foods and Drinks

In the initial days after your surgery, it’s advisable to steer clear of high-acid foods and beverages, as acid can worsen discomfort, as noted by the UWSD.

Foods that should be avoided following the removal of wisdom teeth include:

• Citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit
• Tomatoes
• Vinegar
• Soda and other fizzy beverages
• Coffee

Seeds and Nuts

Seeds and nuts are not ideal to consume following the removal of your wisdom teeth. These tough, crunchy foods can irritate your gums and interfere with the healing process, as noted by theAAOMS.

This suggestion also covers smaller, less-crunchy options, such as chia seeds, as well as breads that contain seeds or nuts. This is because small food particles can become trapped in your wisdom tooth socket and cause irritation to the surgical area, according toCleveland Clinic.

Food particles can also lead to a condition known as dry socket. This occurs when the protective blood clot covering the area where a wisdom tooth was removed gets dislodged, causing painful exposure of your bone and nerves, and raising the chances of an infection or slower recovery, according toMayo Clinic.

As a result, it’s important to avoid seeds and nuts until you’ve had more time to recover.

Other Crunchy Foods

Seeds and nuts are not the only crunchy snacks to be cautious about. Other crispy or crusty foods to steer clear of include:

• Popcorn
• Rice
• Chips
• Pizza (think: crispy crust)
• Hamburgers (think: crunchy toppings)

This list is not meant to be complete. A good rule of thumb is to steer clear of any food that needs a lot of chewing or could become hard or sharp pieces. The goal is to minimize stress on your gums and teeth during the initial days following the procedure.

Chewy Candy

If you have a craving for something sweet, it’s not the right moment to indulge in sticky snacks such as taffy or caramel, according to theAAOMS.

These sweets can be difficult to chew, potentially putting pressure on your recovering teeth and gums.

So if you’re in the mood for something sweet, opt for something tender like pudding or ice cream. These are both good choices when it comes to enjoying treats during the recovery from wisdom tooth extraction.

Tough Meat

Many types of meat might need to be avoided during the initial days or weeks of your recovery.

The AAOMSsuggests that soft, finely chopped fish and meat are acceptable to consume a few days following your procedure. Nevertheless, tougher portions such as steak or dried meat might demand excessive chewing, which could cause irritation to your gums and the area where the tooth was removed.

Hot Drinks

Don’t consume hot beverages for the first 24 hours, as per theNational Health Service. They could cause the blood clot to move, increasing your risk of developing dry socket.

You can still enjoy broth or soup following the removal of your wisdom tooth, but ensure the food has cooled to room temperature before consuming something like tomato soup.

And when it comes to any liquid, refrain from using straws for at least a week following your wisdom tooth extraction, as perMayo Clinic. Drinking through a straw might generate negative pressure in your mouth, which can interfere with the healing process at the extraction area and potentially result in dry socket.

Caffeinated Beverages

Although you may depend on your morning cup of coffee, it’s advisable to steer clear of caffeinated beverages during the initial days following surgery to prevent aggravating your incision, as per theUMass Chan Medical School.

Additionally, steer clear of other caffeinated drinks such as tea, soda, and energy beverages.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol after your surgery as well. It may increase your chances of developing dry socket, according toMayo Clinic.

Instead, maintain hydration by consuming plenty of water, which can aid in the recovery process.

Foods That Are Safe to Consume Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction

You might be questioning which foods are safe to consume following your procedure. For example, is it okay to eat pancakes or oatmeal after having your wisdom teeth removed? (Hint: Yes.)

Here are some gentler, more comfortable foods to consume:

• Drinks such as juice and smoothies
• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potatoes
• Oatmeal
• Pancakes
• Smoothies
• Pudding
• Gelatin
• Ice cream
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed bananas
• Avocados

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