For the first 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed, stick to lukewarm liquids and soft or puréed foods. On day two, you can move onto semi-soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed veggies, and soft pasta.
There’s no specific wisdom teeth eating timeline, as everyone heals differently. Post-surgery pain usually lasts from 3 to 7 days, and you may need to stay on a soft-diet for a little longer until you’re fully healed.
Need wisdom teeth surgery or have questions about the healing process? Contact us at Radiant Smiles Dental Care and our professionals will be happy to help!
Why Must You Eat Soft Foods After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After wisdom teeth surgery, your jaw will be stiff, and you might find it hard to open your mouth. Your mouth and cheeks will also be swollen, making swallowing difficult. Your teeth will also be sensitive to temperature, texture, and pressure.
These side effects mean that biting and chewing hard, crunchy, or hot/cold food can be painful. Putting extra strain on your mouth and jaw also means that you may take longer to heal, and there’s a higher chance of dislodging the blood clot, leading to bleeding or a painful condition called dry socket, or even developing an infection.
How Long Do You Have To Wait To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After having your wisdom teeth removed, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least two hours. This waiting period allows time for a blood clot to form over the surgical site, which is important for proper healing.
- During the First Two Hours: It’s best to refrain from consuming any food or drinks. Keep the gauze in place as directed by your dentist to help control bleeding.
- Once the Gauze is Removed (around 45 minutes to an hour later): After taking out the gauze and noticing reduced bleeding, you can sip on clear liquids such as apple juice or herbal tea. Avoid using a straw, as the suction could disturb the clot and slow healing.
- 4 to 6 Hours After the Procedure: Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or puréed soup can be introduced. These foods are easy on the extraction site and minimise the risk of irritation.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Make sure to eat a good combination of the foods below, so you’re getting a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This will help promote faster healing.
| Food to Eat | Reason |
|---|---|
| Smoothies | Fruits like bananas or berries (strained to remove seeds) provide vitamins and fibre while being gentle on the mouth. |
| Blended Soups | Smooth soups like pumpkin, carrot, or tomato are nutrient-dense, easy to swallow, and soothing on sore gums. |
| Puréed Fruit | Rich in vitamins, easy to digest, and provides a mild sweetness. Applesauce and mashed banana are good choices. |
| Greek Yoghurt | Good source of protein and calcium. Choose ones without fruit chunks. |
| Ice Cream | Cold and soothing, reduces swelling, and provides a treat. Opt for plain flavours without crunchy additions. Should be eaten in moderation. |
| Mashed Vegetables | Easily digestible carbohydrates and comfort. Potatoes, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are good options. |
| Eggs | High in protein (important for tissue repair) and easy to chew. |
| Cottage Cheese | Rich in calcium, nutritious, and low in calories. |
| Soft Fish | Easy to consume and full of nutrients. |
What to Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Staying hydrated helps accelerate healing. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can feed infection and damage your teeth. Aside from lukewarm water, you can opt for electrolyte-rich coconut water, unsweetened vitamin-rich fruit juice, or bone broth, which encourages tissue repair.
| Drink | Reason |
|---|---|
| Lukewarm water | Keeps you hydrated, helps flush toxins, and supports the recovery process. |
| Bone Broth | Packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals, it aids in tissue repair and promotes hydration. |
| Coconut water | Restores electrolytes and keeps you hydrated while being gentle on the mouth. |
| Unsweetened fruit juice | Gentle on the stomach, keeps you hydrated. Choose non-citrus fruits for lower acidity. |
| Protein Shakes | Protein powder with no added sugar can be a great way to increase your protein intake if you’re struggling to get enough in. |
Food To Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Certain foods can delay healing or even cause more damage. Wait until you’re fully healed (over a week) before attempting to eat these foods.
| Food to Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Hard or Crunchy Foods | Biting hard food requires extra pressure, which can cause both jaw and tooth pain. |
| Sticky or Chewy Foods | These put strain on the jaw, which can cause pain and inflammation. There’s also a chance that they may disrupt the blood clot and cause bleeding. |
| Acidic or Spicy Foods | Spices can irritate sensitive gums and heat up the mouth, causing discomfort. |
| Very Hot/Cold Foods | Extreme temperatures can aggravate sensitive teeth, as well as potentially dislodging the blood clot. |
| Crumbly Foods | Cookie and crisp crumbs can get stuck in the extraction site, causing inflammation and possibly infection. |
| Sugary Foods | Sugar encourages infection and tooth decay, so avoid it while you’re still healing. |
| Alcohol | Slows down healing and can be dangerous to take with medication. |
When Can You Start Eating Normally After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
The amount of time before you can start eating your normal diet again depends on a range of factors, including:
- How complex your surgery was
- How healthy you are overall
- Your lifestyle (i.e. smoking)
- Any medication you’re taking
- How well you follow post-op instructions
Most of the time, it takes around a week to return to normal foods. It’s important to work solid foods into your diet slowly in order to prevent damage before your mouth is properly healed.
What are Potential Complications After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Failing to be careful about what you’re eating after wisdom tooth extraction may contribute to certain complications. Common complications include:
Infection
If the extraction site becomes infected, you may experience pain that doesn’t go away even with painkillers, swelling that doesn’t ease even with icing, and difficulty opening your mouth due to it being painful or swollen. Infection is also usually accompanied by fever.
Dry Socket
This is a painful condition that can happen if the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the part of the jawbone that holds the roots of the teeth. As well as pain and sensitivity, you might experience bad breath and infected lymph nodes.
Approximately 3% of wisdom teeth extractions result in dry socket, often due to improper dietary habits, like using a straw.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removed FAQs
Can You Work the Day You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No, it’s not recommended to work the day your wisdom teeth are removed. Pain, swelling, and discomfort are common after the procedure, making it hard to carry out your usual tasks. Most people take at least a day or two off.
What If Food Gets Stuck In the Extraction Site?
If food gets stuck in the extraction site, gently rinse with warm salt water or use an irrigation syringe if provided by your dentist. Avoid using fingers or tools to remove it, as this can cause irritation or infection. If the food doesn’t come out, or you notice swelling, pain, or a bad taste, contact your dentist.
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