What To Eat After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Did you know your wisdom teeth typically emerge when you are between the ages of 17-21? In fact, they got their name because they come at a later stage when people believed you have matured and gained wisdom! The eruption of your wisdom teeth marks a huge milestone in your dental journey. However, there are a lucky few who never have to deal with the hassle of getting their wisdom teeth removed. This is because approximately one-third of the population is born without wisdom teeth. But if you are a part of the other two-thirds of the population, you might have a few questions about your wisdom teeth. If you are curious about how your wisdom teeth get removed, read our Wisdom Teeth blog. After the procedure, you might wonder, what can I eat after my operation, how can I speed up the recovery process and what should I avoid after my surgery? Well, our Calgary dental experts have you covered, we have created a quick guide to answer all your questions!
5 Foods You Can Eat After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
The typical rule of thumb is to stick to soft foods. After your surgery, you might get some swelling and feel some minor discomfort. Most patients will have to stick to a soft food diet for 3-5 days before getting reintroducing regular food. This of course depends on your healing process. It is best to talk to your Calgary dentist if you are still feeling discomfort after five days. However, during these five days, we recommend sticking to a healthy diet as this can help with the recovery process. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Suggestions: Tomato soup, pumpkin soup, carrot soup or bone broth
- Suggestions: Greek yogurt, yogurts with probiotics or smooth yogurts
- Suggestions: Mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed pumpkin or mashed avocado.
- Suggestions: Green juices, banana-based smoothies, or smoothies using frozen fruits.
- Suggestions: Fruit-based sorbets, ice creams low in sugar or blending frozen bananas with ice cream.
Blended Soups and Broths
Vegetable soups are an excellent choice. They are high in vitamins and minerals and are easy to eat. Make sure the soup is well blended and not too hot as heat can cause minor irritation. Similarly, broths are high in nutritional value and offer anti-inflammatory benefits!
Yoghurt
Yogurt is a great snack after your surgery. It is high in protein and packed with probiotics and nutrients like zinc and calcium. Yogurt is also soft and easy to eat, we recommend avoiding any yogurts with mix-ins like granola or candy as you might have to chew them.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of our favourite comfort foods. Who can say no to a little comfort when you are recovering from surgery? Mash potatoes are also rich in calories so it is ideal for those who need the extra calorie boost. You can also supplement your mashed potatoes with other mashed foods, like avocado, butternut, or bananas.
Fruit Smoothies
Smoothies are perfect for after your surgery as they are very versatile and nutritious. You can customize your smoothie to your own preference and add your favorite fruits or vegetables or both. For an added protein boost, you can even add protein powder or smooth peanut butter. The only caveat is to avoid using straws for at least two weeks after your procedure to avoid dry sockets.
Ice Cream and Sorbets
Eating ice cream after your surgery is not only good for the soul, it also helps the healing process! The cold aids in reducing inflammation and it has a soothing effect on the wound. We recommend sticking to soft-serve ice cream during the first few days and avoiding any ice creams with mix-ins. We also recommend using a bowl instead of a cone as you don’t want to get bits of solid food lodged in your teeth.
What To Avoid After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
After your surgery, our Calgary dentists recommend you avoid drinking alcohol, highly acidic fruit juices, carbonated beverages and any overly hot beverages like hot coffee or tea. These can all irritate the wound and slow down the recovery process. You should also avoid any sucking action as this can dislodge the blood clot from your tooth’s socket causing more bleeding. This includes drinking from a straw and smoking or vaping. Tobacco products can also increase the risk of complications and delay the healing process. The general rule of thumb is to avoid any hard foods that are too hot and anything that can get lodged inside the socket, like seeds and nuts. The healing process takes approximately two weeks, but you can go back to solid foods after a week or until you can comfortably chew again. To help speed up recovery, we recommend getting plenty of rest, drinking water, eating a healthy balanced diet and following your Calgary dentist’s recommendations.
Visit Chinook Mall Family Dental for all Your Wisdom Teeth Needs
At our Calgary dental clinic, you are in expert hands! The experts at Chinook Mall Family Dental specialize in wisdom teeth extractions. We often perform this procedure in the office under anesthesia. This provides patients with maximum comfort while keeping the procedure efficient and cost-effective. Local anesthetic (such as novocaine) is always used, but you may opt for additional comfort with IV sedation (twilight sleep). If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extractions or if you want to schedule an appointment to get your wisdom teeth removed, call us at 403.252.7711 or book online. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have!
