Soft Foods for Wisdom Teeth Pulled – There’s relief in getting your wisdom teeth taken out, especially if your teeth have been your source of pain, but then you’re left with that question: what can you eat after surgery?
The mouth and the gums take time to heal after wisdom teeth extraction, and your mouth can be painful if you eat hard crunchy foods. That’s why you want to stick to soft foods. Soft foods are easy to chew and delicious. And they are packed with nutrients that will help in your recovery.
This guide will help you with everything you need to know to handle soft foods after wisdom teeth removal, including what to eat and what to stay away from.
The Importance of Soft Foods in the Healing Process
Once your wisdom teeth removal is done, your gums and jaw will need to rest, and heal. Your oral health professional will leave open sockets where the teeth have been removed and these are sensitive and will need time to heal.
Soft foods will make the healing and recovery easier because they:
- Don’t irritate the surgical sites.
- Decrease the chances of dry socket, which is a painful condition, when a blood clot dislodges.
- Offer a relief as you chew when your jaw is sore, stiff and has to heal after surgery.
- Eat foods that help the body heal and calm inflammation.
During the first week after surgery, the soft foods you eat should the most gentle.
The Best Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Pulled
Now, let’s discuss some of the most suggested soft foods appropriate for each stage of the healing process.
Days 1-2: Liquids and Smooth Textures
Directly after surgery, it’s important to recognize that your mouth is gonna be numbed and it is gonna be sore. You should eat very soft foods or liquid foods that need no chewing.
What you should eat:
- Smooth soups – You can enjoy broth-based or pureed soups, just don’t make it hot.
- Mashed potatoes – Remain lukewarm.
- Applesauce – It is gentle on the gums and very easy to swallow.
- Yogurt – Pick some creamy one, and you can have it plain or flavored, just don’t pick the one with fruit.
- Pudding or custard – Creamy and easy to eat.
- Smoothies – Made with yogurt or milk, just eat with a spoon.
- Meal replacement shakes – Ensure and Boost have protein and vitamins.
Tip: Don’t use a straw. Suction can dislodge the healing blood clot and cause dry socket.
Days 3-5: Soft Foods That Add More Substance
During these days, pain and swelling should start to lessen. You may start to add soft foods that have slightly more texture.
Best options:
– Scrambled eggs: soft, protein-packed, and easy to chew.
– Oatmeal or cream of wheat: warm, smooth, and filling.
– Macaroni and cheese: soft pasta that’s easy on your gums.
– Avocado: creamy and rich in healthy fats.
– Soft rice or risotto: well cooked and easy to swallow.
– Blended soups: like butternut squash or tomato bisque.
– Cottage cheese: high in protein and gentle in texture.
Pro tip: If you are having a hard time consuming enough calories, try adding olive oil or butter to your soft foods.
Days 6-10: Gradual Return to Normal Foods
At this stage, the surgery site has mostly healed. You should now start to reintroduce soft foods that are chewable, as well as those that are not crunchy or sharp.
Best options:
– Soft fish: Like salmon or tilapia, is flaky and easy to chew.
– Pancakes or soft waffles: Avoid anything crispy or with nuts.
– Soft-cooked vegetables: Like carrots, peas, or zucchini.
– Well-cooked pasta or noodles: Easy to manage and satisfying.
Ground meats are okay too, like turkey, beef, and chicken if it is tender.
Soft and ripe fruits like bananas and peaches are good too, just mash if you have too.
Don’t forget to chew on the other side of your mouth and rinse with salt water after every meal to keep the extraction area clean.
Foods to Not Eat After Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed
These types of foods can irritate your mouth, cause infections, and delay the healing process. Please avoid these until your dentist says you can:
Foods that are crunchy and hard – chips, nuts, granola, and raw vegetables.
- Sticky foods – Caramel, taffy and chewing gum.
- Foods that are spicy – These can irritate the surgery area.
- Foods or drinks that are hot – These can help dissolve or dislodge the healing clot.
- Foods that are acidic – Like citrus or tomato sauce that can sting.
- Soda – The bubbles can irritate the sockets.
- Don’t use straws – They create suction which can lead to dry socket.
Soft and gentle foods are the only foods you should have until your dentist says it is safe to eat regular foods, which is usually after 1-2 weeks.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydration is very important, to help avoid dehydration use water, coconut water, or diluted juice.
- Protein is just as important to help with tissue repair. You can use eggs, dairy, and smoothies with protein powder.
- Skip alcohol and caffeine to prevent mouth dryness and medication interactions.
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water solution (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup water) as needed after meals.
Sample Menu
Days 1-2:
- Breakfast: Yogurt or smoothie (no straw).
- Lunch: Warm blended soup.
- Dinner: Mashed potatoes or pudding.
Days 3-5:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with soft cheese.
Lunch: Oatmeal with mashed banana.
Dinner: Mac and cheese or creamy risotto.
Days 6-10:
- Breakfast: Soft pancakes with syrup.
- Lunch: Flaky baked fish with mashed avocado.
- Dinner: Soft pasta with mild sauce.
By day 10, more textured foods can be tried as long as they are not painful or put pressure on your jaw.
When to Call Your Dentist
Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising after wisdom teeth surgery is normal. more than 3 days of severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, signs of infection (fever, bad taste, or pus), swelling that gets worse after 4-5 days, and numbness in your lips or tongue. These complications need care.
Conclusion
Your recovery after wisdom teeth removal depends a lot on your diet. To heal properly, your mouth needs a break. While you eat smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes, you will be getting the nutrition you need.
As time goes on, you can eat more and more foods with different textures denser than the soft foods you have been eating. But, be mindful to eat the soft foods that won’t harm the healing sockets. With a little patience, you’ll be eating balanced meals in no time.
Soft Foods After Wisdom Teeth Pulled: FAQs
Q1. After my wisdom teeth removal, how long do I need to eat soft foods?
Most people need to eat soft foods for a minimum of 5 to 7 days. If you heal quickly, you will be able to eat more solid foods after a week.
Q2. After I got my wisdom teeth pulled, can I eat ice cream?
Definitely! Eating soft and cold foods like yogurt and ice cream will calm your mouth. Just be sure to stay away from ice cream that is chunky, has nuts, or has cones. These will aggravate your gums.
Q3. When can I start eating normal food again?
Normally, around 10 to 14 days, but it really varies based on how complicated your surgery was and how you’re healing. Always best to check with your dentist, though.
Q4. Can I eat pasta after wisdom teeth removal?
Sure! Just make sure it’s soft-cooked and not spicy or chewy. Stay away from al dente pasta during the first few days.
Q5. Is soup good after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes! Smooth, blended soups are awesome, but make sure they are room temp – not hot!
Q6. What drinks should I avoid after surgery?
Anything with alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, or straws will hurt you. Just stick to water, milk, or soft smoothies.
Q7. What’s the worst thing to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods are the worst. Chips, nuts, and caramel can really hurt the surgical sites and make things take longer to heal.
