Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal in a few days. But you do need to follow all post-surgery instructions. This is especially true in the first 24 - 48 hours after surgery. Here’s a helpful list of the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, along with other tips for ensuring a swift, safe recovery.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: First 24 Hours After Surgery
You probably won’t feel much like eating after having your wisdom teeth removed. This is especially true if your wisdom teeth were impacted. You will have gauze in the mouth, and your mouth, jaw, and cheeks are likely to be tender and swollen. But you do need to eat to fuel a healthy recovery. To that end, in the 24 hours that follow your surgery, plan to eat soft foods or liquids only. Options may include:
- Applesauce
- Baby food or other pureed food
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Warm broths and creamy soups
- Hummus
- Jello
- Smoothie (no straw)
- Pudding
- Juice (avoid citrus)
Hot foods and beverages are likely to irritate the surgical sites. If you have soup, let it cool a bit before eating.
Avoid using a straw. The suction can cause blood clots to become dislodged. So if you want a smoothie or a milkshake, be sure to eat it with a spoon.
In the 24 hours following your surgery, do not drink any alcohol, do not smoke anything, and do not vape.
2 Days After Wisdom Tooth Removal: Reintroducing Solid Foods
As you continue in your recovery, you can often begin reintroducing soft solid foods after the first 24 hours. You should still avoid extremely hot foods. You should also continue to avoid acidic foods and spicy foods. Continue to choose foods that require minimal chewing. Options may include:
- Soft noodles
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed bananas
- Mashed avocados
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed and mashed veggies (cauliflower, zucchini, squash)
- Potato or sweet potato
- Tofu
Foods to Avoid in the Days Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
Certain foods and beverages are off-limits for the first couple of days after oral surgery to remove your wisdom teeth because they can irritate the sockets, tear the stitches, or get stuck in the sockets. These include:
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Hot beverages (coffee, tea)
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Grains (rice, quinoa)
- Pretzels
- Chips
- Crusty bread
- Chewy candy
- Popcorn
By the time you’re three days post-surgery, you can begin with other solid foods. If your mouth is still tender, stick with soft foods until it feels like you’ll be able to eat comfortably again.
Schedule Surgery for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Albuquerque
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, Rio Grande Oral Surgery is here to help. As a longstanding, top-rated oral surgery practice in Albuquerque, we are here to provide prompt, safe wisdom teeth removal. Send us a message to book your appointment, or call 505-821-2111.