You might have heard that after a wisdom tooth extraction, your food options are pretty limited. As in, the only variety you’ll get is through different pudding flavors. Fortunately, your reduced menu won’t be quite that dramatic!
The important thing is to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and chewy foods that could harm your stitches and be uncomfortable for your tender teeth. Soft, squishy snacks and broths are going to be your best friends while you recover. For a more detailed list of strategic treats, keep reading!
Delicate and Delicious
Now, the first five days after your extraction are when your teeth and oral tissues will be healing the most. You’ll likely be sore yourself, so you’ll be glad to have a few silk-like delights to fall back on. There’s always the classic pudding cup, but this might not be enough to fill you up when the going gets tough. Here are some other ideas:
- Fruit, veggie, or protein smoothies
- Dense milkshakes packed with fruit or fiber
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Applesauce, with cinnamon if you prefer
- Yogurt – frozen or otherwise
Finding variety with your soreness saviors might take some creativity. If you’re ever desperate for inspiration, search for online recipes or browse Pinterest for unique solutions.
Essential Nutrients
Even if you supplement your smoothies and shakes with protein powder or other nutrient-dense mixes, you and your body might crave something a little hardier. These lean meats and mild dairy options can help keep you going and promote healing:
- Scrambled, over-easy, or sunny-side-up eggs – don’t forget your favorite sauce!
- Soups with small cuts of meat
- Soft, bite-sized cheeses
Take your time when introducing these savory dishes. Excessive heat could irritate your aches, and even miniature cuts of meat will be a problem if they’re tough or stringy.
Restorative Remedies
While it’s important not to rush the healing process, there are a few tasty ways you can help yourself recover. Try these comforting brews:
- Water, with or without mild, sugar-free flavors
- Broth – either the classic varieties like chicken and beef or an exotic bone broth
- Herbal teas, as long as you go light on the sugar
Adding lemon to your fun little drink can help detox your system, which can be particularly beneficial for helping your vulnerable mouth fight infection. Ginger is another delicious cleanser, and some teas are fortified with zinc, which promotes sickness prevention. Find a combination that excites you so you can heal and stay motivated throughout your day!
Picking and preparing your favorite wisdom tooth extraction diet items will not only benefit your oral health – it will also help you feel more comfortable during your recovery. For the smoothest post-wisdom tooth removal experience possible, ask your oral surgeon for advice. They’ll be happy to share all their professional tips and tricks!
About the Author
Dr. Shinwari is a board-certified oral surgeon, meaning you can rely on him to extract your wisdom teeth as comfortably and smoothly as possible. He knows that the most challenging part of this treatment process can be the aftercare, so if you have questions about an appropriate diet or other recovery concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Shinwari’s office at 703-574-4717.