Wisdom teeth are the third molars present at the rear end of the mouth, which often erupt at a peculiar angle that may need extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems, and they may even get infected, damage other adjacent teeth, or even trigger decay because they are hard to clean. Are you planning to undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery? Then, it's normal for you to have several questions regarding the procedure, its recovery period, and what to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
When can you have something to eat after undergoing wisdom teeth removal surgery?
Immediately after undergoing a wisdom teeth removal surgery, it's normal for you to feel numb in your treatment area. However, after about an hour, you may be able to remove the gauze sponges from your mouth and can start having some food. During your recovery period, ensure you consume soft meals for the first 24 hours and avoid hot meals and drinks to prevent complications. Last but not least, the recovery period largely varies from person to person, but you must strictly adhere to the post-op instructions provided by your surgeon.
After undergoing your wisdom teeth removal procedure, you must receive proper nutrition. A healthy and nutritious diet can help diminish the risk of complications by providing nourishment, reducing swelling, and speeding up the recovery process. Now that you have got an answer to the most dreading question, "how long after wisdom tooth extraction can I eat?" It's time to compile a list of the healthiest foods to consume post wisdom teeth extraction.
Foods to eat after wisdom teeth extraction
If you are wondering what are the best foods to eat after a wisdom tooth extraction? Here's a list for you-
- Oatmeal - Oats fall among the power-packed foods as it is very filling, high in fiber, and highly nutritious, containing vitamins and minerals. As the oats have a chewy and sticky texture when cooked, it would be great to consume oatmeal for at least three days after a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. However, before having a delicious bowl of freshly cooked instant oatmeal, ensure your oats have cooled down to avoid irritation.
- Cottage cheese – Cottage cheese is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. If cottage cheese is one of your favorite items, you'll be glad to know that you can add it to your diet post-surgery. Its soft and creamy texture makes it an ideal choice to chew and swallow while recovering. In addition, it is high in protein, which is extremely helpful in speeding up the recovery process.
- Mashed pumpkin – Cook a pumpkin and mash it, and your mushy post-surgery food is ready. Mashed pumpkin is one of the best foods every dentist recommends during recovery. In addition, pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as potassium. These vitamins may help boost immunity, aiding the body's recovery after tooth extraction.
- Smoothies- If you want to know what to eat after a wisdom teeth removal, then feel free to add smoothies to your list.When you can't have anything solid, go for smoothies. Smoothies are tasty and versatile. You can blend all your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds to make it into a smoothie. To meet your nutritional goals, add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt that will make your smoothie tasty and speed up the recovery period.
- Mashed bananas – Bananas are one of the world's most popular fruits that is simple to chew and swallow as they have a soft texture. Furthermore, bananas are a rich source of vitamins and minerals like Potassium, Manganese, Folate, etc. Nevertheless, if you find chewing even soft food items difficult, do not hesitate to mash them to ensure a pain-free, enjoyable meal.
- Apple pulp – Despite being one of the most nutritional fruits, you may not be able to have an Apple during your recovery period because of its crunchiness. However, you can have an apple if you make it applesauce from skinless apples that have been pureed. Without apple skin, there might be a decrease in nutritional value as apple skin is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nonetheless, an apple without the skin is an excellent source of vitamin C that can strengthen the immune system and promote wound healing.
- Egg scrambled – Are you someone who loves having eggs? Then the good news is that you do not have to worry about what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Eggs are the highest protein source you can have post-surgery, promoting rapid healing. Add some delicious scrambled eggs to your diet, as that would be easier for you to chew and swallow. When buying eggs, always opt for pasteurized eggs as they are rich in omega-3 fats that help to heal wounds quickly.
- Greek yogurt - Another high-protein food to enjoy after a wisdom tooth extraction is Greek yogurt. Its creamy, smooth texture will help you soothe your hyper-sensitive mouth. High in calcium and zinc, Greek yogurt will help you in effective wound recovery post-surgery.
- Mashed potatoes – Among multiple recipes associated with root vegetables, especially when it comes to potatoes. There's no doubt that potatoes can be cooked in several ways, but mashed potatoes are the most comfortable version if it's your recovery food. Potatoes are rich in calories and high in nutrients that promote healing. However, no matter how tasty freshly smashed hot potatoes may taste, you must ensure that your food has cooled down, as that may aggravate the treatment area.
- Blended soups and broths - Blended soups and broths are a must when you feel sick and can be your ideal food during recovery after your wisdom tooth extraction surgery. They are simple to take and contain no particles that might irritate the surgical site. In addition, soups and broths are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that help you achieve your daily nutrition requirements. Furthermore, having blended soups and broths help keep you hydrated, which is very important after surgery.
Keep them clean and hygienic
After undergoing a wisdom teeth extraction procedure, you must ensure a good selection of nutritious foods that do not hinder healing. In addition, to promote rapid healing, you must also avoid hot beverages, fizzy drinks, spicy foods, hard or crunchy food items, and, most importantly, alcohol.
Now that you know the best foods to eat after a wisdom tooth extraction, it's time to be aware of the other factors that can promote healing. Among several other factors, maintaining optimal oral hygiene is a must.
To do that, you must gently brush your teeth using a soft-bristled electric toothbrush that ensures professional cleaning. Choose an ultra-soft toothbrush with thin bristles to clean between your teeth and beneath your gumline without damaging the sutured regions or healing tissue. While traditional brushes are harsh and abrasive, you may use an Oclean sonic toothbrush to give you complete control of your brushing pattern. With our smart toothbrush, you can control the pressure applied while brushing without causing any irritation to your treatment area.
Ready to grab your smart toothbrush now?
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