Although having your wisdom teeth removed is a very common dental procedure, it is important to carefully follow aftercare guidelines to prevent complications or infections to the area. One of the biggest things to pay attention to following your wisdom teeth removal is the foods that you should and shouldn’t eat.
In this post, you will find a complete guide to what you can expect following your wisdom teeth removal. We will also discuss foods that can cause infection or injury to the recovering area.
What You Can & Can’t Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
As with any dental procedure, it is important to carefully follow any aftercare directions that your local dentist provides you with. However, when recovering from your wisdom teeth removal, you will likely have additional questions regarding what you can and can’t eat.
In most cases, your dentist will recommend a liquid or soft diet for the first 24-48 hours following your wisdom tooth extraction. It is best to stay away from hot foods during this time as well as anything overly sweet or acidic. Some of the most common food recommendations during the initial recovery period include the following:
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup (not too hot)
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Pudding
Depending on recommendations from your dentist, you may also be able to eat soft foods such as oatmeal, toast, eggs, fully cooked pasta, or bananas. It is important to stay away from any foods that could easily become stuck in the extraction site or cause injury to your healing gums.
What to Eat After Your Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
After the initial recovery period has passed, you will likely find yourself craving something more substantial than the liquid diet you have been on. This is where many patients get themselves into trouble. It is important to have patience as you begin to reintroduce solid foods into your diet.
Falling back into your normal diet too soon will only prolong your recovery by creating issues such as a dry socket or other types of infection. Here are some of the most common questions that are asked regarding diet recommendations following wisdom tooth extraction:
Can You Eat Rice After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
While rice may seem like the optimal recovery food, it’s not something that should be included in your diet during your wisdom tooth recovery. Rice or other grains such as quinoa can easily become stuck in the extraction site, elevating your risk of infection.
Can You Eat French Fries After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
French fries are one of the most commonly debated foods for patients recovering from wisdom tooth extraction. There are not many foods that are more comforting than fresh french fries from your favorite restaurant.
If the french fries are soft, it is most likely okay to incorporate them into your diet as you begin to transition into soft foods. However, you must stay away from crunchy french fries.
Can You Eat Bread After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After the initial recovery period of 24-48 hours, it is permissible to begin eating soft pieces of bread or lightly toasted bread. However, refrain from eating bread with crunchy crust (such as french bread) for up to 2 weeks following your extraction to minimize the possibility of an injury.
Can You Eat Pasta After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Fully cooked pasta is an excellent option for an individual recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. However, many common pasta sauces are incredibly acidic, something that can irritate the extraction site. If you choose to eat pasta, opt for buttered pasta or a cream sauce that is less acidic than traditional pasta sauce.
Can You Eat Pizza After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a slice of pizza. However, pizza crust can cause incredible damage to your mouth and gums if you have not fully recovered from your wisdom tooth surgery. It is wise to avoid pizza for up to two weeks following your procedure so that you do not cause irritation or injury.
Can You Eat Mac & Cheese After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Mac & cheese is one comfort food that you can fully enjoy following your wisdom tooth extraction. After the initial 24-48 hours of a liquid diet, macaroni and cheese can be the perfect way to transition into softer, more substantial foods.
Can You Eat Ice Cream After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes! In fact, this is one of the things that patients look forward to most following their wisdom tooth removal! This is one time of your life when you don’t need an excuse to enjoy ice cream. In addition to being soft, the temperature of ice cream can also help to alleviate any discomfort that you are experiencing.
If you choose to enjoy a frozen treat, remember to stay away from crunchy or chewy mix-ins. These treats could delay your recovery.
Can You Eat Ramen After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
A bowl of ramen noodles can be incredibly comforting following a dental procedure. You will be able to enjoy the delicious broth immediately following your extraction. However, it is best to wait 24-48 hours before you enjoy the noodles. Remember that hot foods can sometimes cause discomfort to your extraction site. Because of this, you must allow your ramen to cool off before you dive in!
Caring For Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
In addition to carefully selecting the foods that you eat during your recovery, there are several other steps you can take to properly care for your mouth following your wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. However, it is important to realize that it will take your body several days to return to full health. Be sure to schedule your extraction during a time where you can rest and relax for at least two days after your appointment.
During this initial recovery period, you must take your pain medication as prescribed by your local dentist. Waiting too long between doses could cause your pain to become unbearable, something that can be easily avoided.
It is important to continue drinking fluids and eating as much as possible. This will provide your body with the energy needed to make a speedy recovery from wisdom teeth removal. In addition to your normal food and liquid intake, it is important to rinse your mouth at least 5 times a day.
Be sure to gently rinse following any meal or snack. We recommend diluting a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for the ideal mixture. This will eliminate the possibility of food getting trapped in the extraction site, leading to infection.
Continue to carefully brush your teeth while avoiding the surgery site. You can find more tips for brushing wisdom teeth correctly here. It is also wise to disinfect your toothbrush before your procedure to eliminate any potential for infection.
Finally, remember to make conscious decisions regarding your food or drink during recovery. It may seem frustrating to limit yourself to a liquid or soft diet. However, it is far more frustrating to have a lengthy recovery period due to injury or infection.
Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While many patients experience a straightforward recovery following a wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to contact your dentist if you notice any unexpected side effects such as prolonged bleeding, numbness, or dizziness.
When in doubt about whether you should or should not eat something following your wisdom tooth removal, it is best to choose something that you know is safe. From applesauce, ice cream, and pudding, to more substantial meals of mac and cheese or ramen, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a good meal while you allow yourself to fully recover.
Thank you for reading! You can learn more about proper dental hygiene here.
