Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure, and proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery. One of the most important aspects of post-operative care is your diet. Eating the right foods can aid healing, prevent complications, and keep you comfortable. This guide will walk you through the best Foods To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal to ensure you’re nourishing your body and supporting the recovery process.
15 Ideal Foods for Post-Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery
After undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, your mouth will be sensitive, and chewing might be uncomfortable. Sticking to soft foods that are easy to swallow and won’t irritate the surgical sites is essential. Here’s a list of 15 nutritious and delicious foods that are perfect for your recovery period:
1. Blended Soups
Blended soups are an excellent choice in the first few days following wisdom teeth removal. They require absolutely no chewing and are gentle on your sensitive mouth. Options like tomato soup or pumpkin soup are not only easy to consume but also packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. These micronutrients are vital for healing and overall recovery. Moreover, soup contributes to your daily fluid intake, keeping you hydrated, which is especially important after surgery. Remember to enjoy your soup lukewarm or cold, as hot temperatures can cause discomfort or irritation to the extraction sites. Ensure your blended soups are smooth to avoid any small pieces that could get lodged in the healing areas.
2. Broths
Similar to soups, broths are incredibly nourishing and hydrating, making them ideal for the initial recovery phase. Bone broth, in particular, is highly recommended. It’s made by simmering bones and connective tissues from various animals like chicken, beef, or fish. This process releases a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and overall health benefits. Consuming lukewarm or cold broth can provide essential nutrients and keep you hydrated without putting any strain on your extraction sites.
3. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a creamy, smooth, and nutrient-dense food that can be very soothing after wisdom teeth surgery. Its cool texture can help numb and comfort your mouth. Greek yogurt stands out for its high protein content, along with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and zinc. Protein is crucial for tissue repair and wound healing, while zinc also plays a significant role in the healing process. Choosing plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is the healthiest option, allowing you to control the sweetness and avoid unnecessary sugars.
4. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that is also perfect during your wisdom teeth recovery. They are soft, easy to swallow, and provide a good source of calories and nutrients to support your body as it heals. Surgery can slightly increase your energy needs, making calorie-rich foods like mashed potatoes beneficial. Ensure your mashed potatoes are completely smooth and free of lumps to prevent irritation. Adding milk, butter, or broth can help achieve a smoother consistency. Like other foods on this list, lukewarm mashed potatoes are the best option to avoid any discomfort.
5. Scrambled Eggs
Once you feel ready to introduce a bit more texture into your diet, scrambled eggs are an excellent semisoft option. They are easy to chew gently with your front teeth and are packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eggs are a great source of vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc, iron, and selenium, all of which are important for a healthy immune system and effective wound healing. Scrambled eggs offer a nutritious and gentle way to transition to slightly more solid foods.
6. Applesauce
While whole apples are hard and crunchy and should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal, applesauce is a fantastic alternative to get your fruit intake. It’s a smooth, soft food that’s easy to eat and digest, typically made from pureed, skinless, and cored apples. Applesauce provides vitamins B, C, and E, along with copper. Vitamin C is particularly beneficial as it can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and support wound closure. Although removing the skin reduces some fiber and nutrients, applesauce still offers valuable health benefits during your recovery.
7. Mashed Bananas
Bananas, with their naturally soft texture, are incredibly easy to chew and swallow, even when your mouth is sensitive after surgery. Mashing them further softens the texture, making them even more comfortable to eat. Bananas are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folate. These nutrients contribute to overall health and can aid in your recovery process. Mashed bananas are a simple and gentle way to get essential nutrients.
8. Banana Ice Cream
The coldness of ice cream can provide a soothing effect on the extraction site, helping to alleviate discomfort. However, traditional ice cream is often high in sugar and fat, which aren’t ideal for recovery. Banana ice cream offers a healthy and delicious alternative that you can easily make at home. It provides the cold, soothing sensation of ice cream without the added unhealthy components.
Homemade Banana Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3–4 ripe bananas, peeled
- A splash of milk (dairy, almond, or oat milk works well)
Instructions:
- Freeze the peeled bananas for 3–4 hours or overnight until solid.
- Slice the frozen bananas into smaller pieces.
- Place the frozen banana slices in a blender or food processor. Add a splash of milk to aid blending.
- Blend until the mixture reaches a thick, smooth, ice cream-like consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, soothing banana ice cream.
9. Avocado
Avocado is a unique fruit with a smooth, creamy texture, making it an excellent food choice during your recovery. Unlike most fruits, avocados are low in carbohydrates but rich in healthy fats. They are also packed with vitamins K and C, potassium, and other beneficial nutrients. These healthy fats and vitamins support overall healing and can be particularly beneficial after surgery. Enjoying mashed avocado, guacamole (ensure it’s smooth and not chunky), or whipped avocado can provide nourishment without requiring much chewing.
10. Smoothies
Smoothies are a fantastic way to increase your nutrient intake, especially when solid meals are challenging to eat. They are easy to drink, customizable to your preferences, and highly versatile. You can tailor smoothies to boost your protein intake by adding Greek yogurt or protein powder, or increase your fiber intake with certain fruits and vegetables. For a balanced and healthy smoothie, combine fruits, vegetables, and a protein source. However, it’s best to avoid smoothies with seeded fruits like strawberries or blackberries during the initial recovery days, as seeds could potentially get trapped in the extraction sites and cause irritation or complications.
11. Hummus
Hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon, is a nutritious and creamy food option for your recovery. It’s a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. Hummus offers a good balance of nutrients to support healing. While you’ll need to skip the pita bread or chips due to their crunchy texture, you can enjoy hummus on its own. Its smooth consistency makes it easy to eat and digest during your recovery.
12. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another excellent soft food choice that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals but low in calories. Its soft and creamy texture makes it easy to eat as you gradually start to chew more. The high protein content in cottage cheese is beneficial for tissue repair and recovery. You can enjoy cottage cheese plain, add it to scrambled eggs for extra creaminess and protein, or blend it into smoothies for a protein boost.
13. Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a highly nutritious food, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While regular oats can be slightly chewy, instant oatmeal is softer and easier to eat, making it a suitable option a few days after wisdom teeth removal. It’s best to wait at least 3 days post-surgery before introducing oatmeal to ensure the initial healing phase is well underway. Instant oats cook quickly to a soft consistency and are less chewy than steel-cut or rolled oats. Allow the oatmeal to cool down to lukewarm before eating to prevent any irritation to the surgical sites.
14. Mashed Pumpkin
Mashed cooked pumpkin is another soft, mushy food that’s perfect for post-wisdom teeth removal recovery. It’s easy to chew and swallow without causing any irritation. Pumpkin, though often considered a vegetable, is a fruit and is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium. These nutrients are beneficial for healing and overall health. Ensure your mashed pumpkin is fully mashed to a smooth consistency and served lukewarm to maximize comfort.
15. Salmon
Salmon is a healthy fish that can be incorporated into your diet once you are ready to start chewing more substantial foods. It’s a rich source of protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid wound healing, especially if you have lower levels of these essential fats. Cooked salmon is soft and flakes easily, making it gentle on your mouth while providing valuable nutrients to support your recovery.
Important Note: Avoid Straws
During your recovery, it’s critical to avoid using straws. The suction created by using a straw can dislodge the blood clots that form in the extraction sites. This can lead to a painful complication called dry socket, which can significantly delay healing and cause considerable discomfort. Drink directly from a cup or spoon-feed yourself to prevent this issue.
By focusing on these soft, nutritious foods and avoiding straws, you can support your body’s healing process and ensure a more comfortable recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Always follow your dentist’s specific post-operative instructions for the best results.
