Soothing Nutrition: Best Foods To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 8 Avg: 3.5]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
You know what wisdom teeth are, right? They are those pesky molars that pop up at the back of our mouths. But we often overlook them until they hurt us. This usually happens when they need to be taken out. These teeth show up late in our teens or adult years.
Wisdom teeth are the last molar teeth present on both sides of your upper and lower jaw. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in our oral cavity and usually show up after 18 years of age.
Your dentist may tell you that your wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Mentioned below are some common causes-
The usual suspect is a small jaw. In the process of evolution, our jaw size and facial form have changed a lot when compared to our ancestors. The reduced jaw size at times fails to accommodate the last to form molars and hence they fail to erupt normally. In such a case, a wisdom tooth is said to be “impacted” This can lead to pain, swelling, and sadly, even infections at times. In other cases, they might harm nearby teeth by crowding them.
Being the last in your jaw, a wisdom tooth is susceptible to more food lodgement, difficult to clean and hence prone to cavities and gum infections. Your doctor will decide whether a conservative treatment like restoration or RCT can be effective or whether extraction of wisdom tooth is needed.
Many orthodontic treatments may require extraction of some teeth including your wisdom teeth if they are impacted or erupted in an abnormal position. Your orthodontist may also advise extraction of wisdom teeth to reduce the risk of relapse of ortho treatment in future.
Post-extraction care after a wisdom tooth is important. Your doctor will give you a list of care instructions to follow, this may include-
I highly recommended consuming soft foods, such as gelatin after the removal of wisdom teeth. It is a suitable option as it requires minimal chewing and may help minimise discomfort during the recovery period.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Did you know?
Curious about what foods can back up your healing process? Let’s explore them and understand why they are your gums and jaw’s best friends.
Here’s a champion on our post-surgery menu – blended soups. Silky texture, yummy taste; what’s not to love? Remember to consume these soups after cooling down to room temperature. Follow this for everything that you consume in the first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction.
These are soft, nutrient-packed food easy to chew and swallow. You can also prepare banana shakes if your health allows you.
Khichdi and porridge made out of daliya, cooked with minimum spices and cooled well before consumption are a soothing and nutritious choice after wisdom tooth extraction.
Smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts are smooth and silky in texture. It can fill your nutrient needs without straining your jaws.
If your doctor doesn’t advise you otherwise, ice cream can be enjoyed as the first thing after 1 hour of wisdom tooth removal. Choose a scoop or cup of ice cream and not an ice lolly. Slowly eat your ice cream followed by cold water.
Paneer or cottage cheese is a rich source of protein – soft and easy to chew. You can flavour it up by adding your favourite herbs (avoid the spicy ones) to freshly mashed paneer.
From my perspective, it is advisable to consider beverages such as room-temperature water or lukewarm chamomile tea as suitable options following the removal of wisdom teeth. These drinks provide may help provide gentle hydration and might be beneficial during the recovery process.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Isn’t it crucial to know your foes too? So, let’s slide into foods to dodge after surgery.
| Food Items | Reason to avoid |
|---|---|
| Hot and Spicy food | Possible irritations |
| Boozy drinks | Might dry you out |
| Hard munchies | Could harm the wound |
In the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal, I may advise you to incorporate finely cut meats and fish into your diet. These protein-rich options might help provide essential nutrients for healing and recovery. However, it is important to ensure that the meats and fish are cooked to a tender consistency and cut into small, easily manageable pieces to minimise any possible strain. Don’t hesitate to consult your dentist if you face any discomfort after their consumption.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
If you are a person with diabetes, high blood pressure or any other chronic illness, your diet post-extraction may be more restrictive than what’s mentioned above. Always inform your doctor about your complete medical history and ongoing medications especially if you are on blood thinners. Also, talk to you your doctor about all dos and don’ts before extraction because you will not be allowed to speak immediately after that.
So, our deep dive into wisdom teeth surgery and its recovery ends here. It urges you to follow the post-extraction care suggested by your doctor.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Dry Socket: Proven Methods and Remedies
Don’t rush it. Take it slow and steady. Your normal eating routine usually takes one to two weeks to resume depending on the speed of wound healing.
Soft foods like Greek yoghurt, mashed bananas, applesauce, ice cream, paneer, khichdi, and Dalia, are your best bets right after tooth removal.
Sure, you can devour mac and cheese with gusto, provided the cheese and pasta are soft. Watch out for hard cheeses or undercooked pasta.
And, be mindful of your doctor’s advice when dealing with health choices!
In most cases, your doctor may need to secure your extraction wound with tiny sutures (stitches) to aid in healing. Being the last molars in the jaw, the extraction site of wisdom teeth is prone to face stress during movement of jaws- while speaking, eating, yawning, and sneezing. Hence, stitches are helpful.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments