What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal and Recovery Tips

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can feel overwhelming, especially when figuring out what to eat. However, there is no need for concern. Midtown Dental Group is here to guide you through it.

This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the best foods to eat after surgery. We will also share tips to make your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible

Why Is Diet Important After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After wisdom teeth extraction, your mouth is likely to be sore and sensitive. Maintaining a healthy, soft-food diet is essential during the recovery phase. The right foods can help speed up healing, reduce swelling, and minimize discomfort.

On the other hand, eating the wrong foods can cause issues during wisdom teeth recovery. These include irritation of the extraction site, delayed healing, and complications like dry socket. Midtown Dental Group strongly recommends a soft, nutrient-rich diet to support a smooth recovery.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal: A Healing-Friendly Diet

During your recovery from wisdom tooth removal, it’s important to eat a balanced, healthy diet and stay hydrated. Fortunately, there are plenty of soft, easy-to-chew foods that provide great nutrition for you after the procedure.

Below is a list of foods Midtown Dental Group suggests. They are gentle on your gums, full of nutrients to support your healing process, and won’t leave you feeling hungry:

Proteins

These help your body maintain and build muscle and can help with healing after your wisdom tooth surgery.

Proteins to Include

• Fish: Soft and easy to chew.
• Eggs: Gentle on the gums and packed with protein.
• Soft, tender poultry & meat: Provides essential protein without straining your mouth.
• Tofu: A soft, plant-based protein that’s easy to eat.
• Smooth peanut butter: Creamy texture that’s easy to swallow.
• Beans: Full of fiber and protein, best served mashed or pureed.
• Powder/supplements: Quick, easy way to add protein without chewing.

Proteins to Avoid

Stay away from tough, chewy proteins like:

• Tough meats: Like steak and pork chops.
• Beef jerky
• Chunky peanut butter
• Crispy bacon

Vegetables

Vegetables are an important part of your diet. They provide essential vitamins and nutrients that aid in your recovery and overall health. However, after surgery, it’s best to choose soft, easily digestible options to avoid any strain on your digestive system.

Vegetables to Include

These vegetables (as long as they’re steamed or cooked) are safe to eat:

• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• Peas
• Soft-steamed broccoli
• Cauliflower

Vegetables to Avoid

While veggies are generally considered good for you, there are exceptions when it comes to wdisom tooth surgery recovery. Hard, uncooked vegetables like raw carrots or celery can irritate the surgical site.

Fruits

Fruits contain essential vitamins and nutrients to help you feel your best and aid recovery. They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support healing.

Fruits to Include

• Oranges
• Bananas 
• Melons, like honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe
• Applesauce 
• Peach or apricot puree
• Canned fruit 
• Baked fruit
• Pineapple

Fun fact About Pineapple & Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Some people report drinking pineapple juice before the procedure can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery. This is due to the bromelain found in pineapple which has anti-inflammatory studies.

While no studies have looked at pineapple juice directly, but they have studied bromelain.  If you try this, be careful. Pineapple juice has a lot of sugar which can cause tooth sensitivity. In high quantities, it can also cause GI issues such as nausea or diarrhea.

Fruits to Avoid

Avoid fruits with small seeds or tough skins, such as:

• Strawberries
• Kiwi
• Raspberry
• Dragonfruit
• Passionfruit
• Apples
• Pears

Be careful not to eat too much fruit sugar during your recovery. It can result in tooth sensitivity. Additionally, fruit should always be part of a balanced diet.

Smoothies & Juices

Smoothies and juices provide an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals without the need for chewing. Nevertheless, you must make some important adjustments during recovery. Some smoothies and juices can be high in sugar. This can lead to tooth sensitivity on adjacent teeth and other long term health issues.

Important Smoothie AdjustmentS to Make

• Avoid seeds: Ingredients like strawberries or raspberries can leave small seeds that irritate the extraction site.
• No straws: Drinking from a straw creates suction. Subsequently, this can dislodge the blood clot which could result in dry socket and a delayed recovery.

For some smoothie inspiration, check out this Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie and this Peachy Banana Apple Smoothie!

Starches & Grains

Grains and starches are a comforting, filling option. Still, it’s important to choose the right ones when you are healing from wisdom tooth surgery.

Starches & Grains to Include

• Oatmeal: avoid crunchy toppings
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta and noodles
• Pancakes and soft waffles
• Soft, flakey breads and pastries: including croissants, brioche, and soft challah
• White or jasmine rice

Starches and Grains to Avoid

Stay away from tough-to-chew grains like:

• Bagels
• Crispy toast
• Ancient Grains: Like farro, quinoa, and amaranth.
• Cookies
• Seeds: Like poppy seeds and sesame seeds.

Dairy

Dairy products provide calcium and protein, which are great for recovery:

• Greek or regular yogurt: A great option since it contains probiotics.
• Soft cheeses
• Cottage cheese, labneh, or ricotta
• Milk: Including almond milk and oat milk

Soups

Warm (not hot) broth-based soups like chicken or vegetable broth offer hydration and a good source of nutrients. Add noodles and some soft cooked vegetables for extra source of carbs and nutrition to stay strong. Pureed soups like pumpkin or tomato soup can also be a comforting option.

Avoid overly hot soups, as high temperatures can cause irritation.

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some foods can complicate your recovery by getting stuck in the extraction site or irritating your healing gums. Midtown Dental Group advises patients to avoid the following:

• Crunchy or Hard Foods: Chips, nuts, and raw vegetables can get stuck in the extraction site and cause irritation.
• Spicy or Acidic Foods: These can burn or irritate your healing gums.
• Sticky Foods: Caramel and chewing gum can stick to the surgical area and interfere with stitches.
• Hot Foods or Drinks: High temperatures can cause inflammation and slow down healing.
• Straws: Avoid using straws since sucking can dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry socket. This can cause wisdom teeth pain.

How Long Should You Stick to a Soft Food Diet?

For the first few days after surgery, stick to soft foods and liquids. As your mouth heals, you can slowly start adding more solid foods. Midtown Dental Group reminds you to listen to your body. If something feels uncomfortable to chew, it’s best to wait a bit longer before trying it again.

Most people can resume a normal diet 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, it is important to remember that everyone heals at their own pace.

The speed of recovery depends on several factors. These include if you had impacted wisdom teeth, the number of sutures, and your overall medical history. We advise you follow your dentist’s guidance.

Additional Recovery Tips After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some foods can complicate your recovery by getting stuck in the extraction site or irritating your healing gums. Midtown Dental Group advises patients to avoid the following:

• Rest and Relax: Take it easy for the first few days. Too much activity can increase blood flow and dislodge the blood clot.
• Ice Packs: Use ice packs on your face to reduce swelling, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean, but avoid brushing near the extraction site for the first few days. A gentle saltwater rinse can help prevent infection and promote healing.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but remember to avoid using straws.
• Follow any instructions for any medications prescribed: This may include antibiotics, antibacterial rinses, or pain medications. Following the directions of your dentist or oral surgeon will lead to better treatment outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, recovery from wisdom teeth removal does not have to be complicated. By following Midtown Dental Group’s recommendations on diet and oral care, you can simplify the healing process.

Stick to soft, nutritious foods and follow your dentist’s instructions. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Midtown Dental Group for guidance.

Dealing With Wisdom Tooth Discomfort?

Book a Consultation Today

If you’re dealing with wisdom tooth pain or discomfort, Midtown Dental Group is here to help. Our team will assess your situation, discuss your budget, and create a treatment plan tailored to you. Don’t wait—schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward relief and a healthier smile!

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