Foods You Should Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but the days following surgery are crucial for a smooth recovery. At Hamilton Dental Centre, we want to ensure our patients have the best possible experience, so we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on what to eat after wisdom teeth out, what to avoid, and how to support your healing process with the right foods and drinks.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

Wisdom teeth removal is often necessary to prevent overcrowding, infection, or pain in the back of your mouth. While the procedure itself is straightforward, the recovery period requires special care, particularly when it comes to your diet. Eating the wrong foods can slow healing, increase discomfort, or even lead to complications like dry socket—a painful condition we’ve covered in detail in our previous posts.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

What Foods Can You Eat After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

In the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal, your mouth will be sensitive, and the extraction site vulnerable. The focus should be on soft, nutrient-rich foods that require little to no chewing and won’t irritate the wound.

Top Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Blended Soups and Broths: Warm (not hot) pureed soups and broths are rich in nutrients and easy to consume. They help keep you hydrated and provide essential vitamins and minerals for healing.
• Greek Yoghurt: Smooth, creamy, and packed with protein, Greek yoghurt is gentle on your mouth and supports tissue repair.
• Mashed Potatoes: Soft and comforting, mashed potatoes can be enriched with milk or butter for extra calories and nutrients. Ensure they are smooth and lukewarm to avoid irritating your gums.
• Scrambled Eggs: A great source of protein and easy to eat as soon as you can manage gentle chewing.
• Applesauce: Provides some fruit intake without the risk of biting into hard apple pieces. Applesauce is also rich in vitamin C, which supports healing.
• Mashed Bananas: Naturally soft and easy to swallow, bananas can be mashed further for a smoother texture.
• Hummus: High in protein and healthy fats, hummus is easy to eat on its own without bread or chips.
• Cottage Cheese: Mild and soft, cottage cheese is a good source of protein and can be eaten alone or added to smoothies.
• Instant Oatmeal: Wait until at least three days post-surgery before introducing oatmeal, and ensure it’s smooth and cooled.
• Mashed Pumpkin or Sweet Potato: Both are soft, nutritious, and easy to swallow, making them ideal for recovery.
• Smoothies: Blend soft fruits, yoghurt, and even vegetables for a nutrient boost. Avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
• Jelly and Pudding: These are easy to eat and can offer a sweet treat during recovery.

Nutritional Tips

• Focus on foods rich in vitamins A, C, and protein to support tissue repair and immune function.
• Ensure all foods are lukewarm or cool—hot foods can increase bleeding and discomfort.

Foods You Need to Avoid

Certain foods can disrupt healing, cause pain, or even lead to complications. Avoid the following:

• Crunchy or Hard Foods: Chips/crisps, nuts, popcorn, crackers, and raw vegetables can break into pieces and get lodged in the extraction site, increasing the risk of infection or dry socket.
• Chewy or Sticky Foods: Foods like toffee, gum, or tough meats require excessive chewing and can dislodge the blood clot.
• Acidic or Spicy Foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy dishes, and sodas can irritate the wound and cause pain.
• Seeds and Grains: Small particles from foods like quinoa, rice, or seeded fruits can get stuck in the extraction area and delay healing.
• Hot Foods and Drinks: These can increase bleeding and discomfort, especially in the first 24 hours.

What Can You Drink After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Hydration is essential for recovery. The best choices include:

• Water: The safest and most important drink after surgery. Sip gently and frequently to stay hydrated.
• Milk: Provides protein and calories, and is gentle on the mouth.
• Smoothies: As mentioned, blend fruits and yoghurt for a nutritious drink—just avoid using a straw.
• Cool, Non-Acidic Juices: Apple or pear juice can be consumed in moderation, but avoid citrus juices.

Drinks You Need to Avoid

• Alcohol: Increases the risk of bleeding and swelling, and can interfere with medications. Avoid for at least 72 hours post-surgery.
• Hot Beverages: Hot coffee, tea, or soup can cause pain and disrupt the blood clot. Wait until your mouth has healed before reintroducing them.
• Caffeinated Drinks (Coffee): Coffee should be avoided for at least five days, as it can increase the risk of dry socket and delay healing.
• Soda and Carbonated Drinks: These are acidic and can irritate the surgical site.
• Drinking Through a Straw: The suction can dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry socket. Avoid straws for at least a week.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hamilton

At Hamilton Dental Centre, we provide expert care before, during, and after your wisdom tooth extraction. Our team ensures you have the information and support needed for a smooth recovery. If you have any concerns or experience unusual pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact us immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after wisdom tooth removal can you eat normally?

Most patients can begin to reintroduce semi-soft foods after about 3–5 days. Normal eating usually resumes after one week, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing rates. Always follow your dentist’s advice and start with soft foods, gradually adding more texture as tolerated.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can I drink?

You can begin drinking water as soon as the numbness from anaesthesia wears off, but avoid hot drinks and alcohol for at least 24–72 hours. Always sip gently and do not use a straw for at least a week to prevent dry socket.

Can I have coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

It’s best to avoid coffee for at least five days after your extraction, as the heat and caffeine can increase the risk of dry socket and delay healing. Once you resume, start with small amounts and ensure the coffee is not too hot.

Summary

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal is smoother when you know what to eat after wisdom teeth are removed. Focus on soft, nutrient-rich foods like blended soups, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid crunchy, chewy, spicy, or hot foods and drinks, and never use a straw in the first week. At Hamilton Dental Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so you can heal comfortably and get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.

If you have more questions about what to eat when you get your wisdom teeth out or need personalised advice, contact Hamilton Dental Centre today. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.