What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s common for us as adults to have to get our wisdom teeth removed. We often put it off as long as we can until the teeth either bother us, or the other teeth in our mouth are getting jammed because of them. At some point, with he urging of our dentist, we finally give in and we decide to get them removed. Some can simply be pulled; in which case you don’t have to get stitches. If they are impacted, however, they’ll have to be surgically removed, and stitches will be placed in your mouth after. Either way, your mouth is left sore, and so is your jaw. For the first few days opening your mouth and chewing too hard is going to be painful, and you have to be careful. But pain doesn’t mean you won’t still be hungry…So, what to eat after wisdom teeth removal? Let’s look at a few options.

When Can I Eat After My Wisdom Teeth are Removed?

The soonest you’re allowed to eat after your teeth are removed is usually one hour. More than likely, it’ll be a bit longer after that before you actually want food. That being said, whenever you do start to feel snackish, remember that you don’t want to eat any food or beverages that are hot. Something too hot can burn the raw skin and heat will also cause inflammation, which can make it more painful.

What Should I Eat After My Wisdom Teeth are Removed

First and foremost, go for something to help numb.

The Cold Stuff

• Gatorade put in the freezer tends to turn into an icy, so you can put one in before you leave for the dentist and have something cold with electrolytes and a flavor you like when you get home.
• Popsicles can also be used, just avoid red ones so you know if you’re bleeding or not. You may have to take a popsicle off the stick and mash it a little to avoid opening your mouth too far. You can also do
• pudding or yogurt for a cool smooth flavor,
• applesauce for something fruity.
• Fruit smoothies made from frozen fruit can be a great way to help numb your mouth and also get nutrients and less sugar into your system, just be aware of putting berries in your smoothie. Berries tend to have small seeds, and these can get caught in stitches, or the hole they pulled your tooth from.
• Lastly, yes—you may eat the ice cream. Live a little. Have the ice cream for breakfast.

"Normal" Foods

• Bananas are mushy enough you shouldn’t have to do much, if any, chewing. No matter what lists you look at, bananas are basically always listed, and for a good reason.
• Cream of wheat or cocoa wheat has small enough grains you can rinse your mouth after and you’ll be fine.
• Fluffy scrambled eggs. Not only are scrambled eggs a food you don’t have to chew, but its also a great way to get some protein into your system.
• Soup. More soup. Broth. Soup. Anything that gets calories into you via a liquid is going to be a great friend of yours. Stock up on the soups that don’t have chunks or noodles in it for the first day or two. If you have stitches, some noodles might be fine, but if your teeth were just pulled instead of surgically removed, noodles can get caught in the pit.
• Mashed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are tasty and packed with great nutrients. You can pop them in the air fryer and walk away. Half hour later you’ll need to stab them with a fork and let them cook for another half hour. Cut them open and let them cool down.
• Regular mashes potatoes, or mashed potatoes with a little gravy.
• Salmon. Salmon falls apart and needs little to no chewing. It’s a great protein for healing after your teeth are removed.

What Shouldn't I Eat After My Wisdom Teeth are Removed

What not to eat:

• Oatmeal
• Rice
• Large noodles
• Anything Chewy
• Anything Crunchy
• Acidic foods
• Spicy foods

Last But Not Least

Your dentist will probably warn you not to drink out of straws, but if you really don’t want to be eating any foods, you can always try instant breakfasts that mix into milk, or protein drinks. If you’re in pain for longer than you think you should be, never be afraid to reach out to your dentist. Something could be wrong, and there is no harm in checking in.

Make sure you know what kind of pain relievers your dentist prescribes you, some can be addictive, and never be afraid to ask them for something else if they are.

Any Questions?

Remember, your mouth is going to heal, and you will be eating solid foods again! It can be frustrating to not eat your favorite foods, but soon you’ll be back to eating whatever you’d like—so try out some new ice cream flavors and relax! If you're looking to get this procedure done simply call ABG Dental at (574) 389-8300 for our Elkhart office and (574) 534-8777 for our Goshen office.