Some people can retain their wisdom teeth for a lifetime without adverse consequences. In most cases, though, it is important to remove the third molars so they do not cause serious oral health problems. Are you soon going to get your wisdom teeth extracted? This simple guide to eating after your surgery will help you to enjoy a smooth and complication-free recovery.
Stick to Liquids for the First 24 Hours
You can expect your mouth to be pretty sore during the initial 24 hours after your appointment, particularly after any local anesthesia wears off. Chewing anything could worsen your discomfort, so it would be smart to stick to a liquid diet for at least the first day after your surgery. Juice, water, blended soups, and protein drinks are all acceptable choices.
Also, bear in mind that you should not use a straw to drink. The suction could dislodge the blood clots at your surgical sites and lead to a painful complication known as dry socket.
Eat Soft Foods after the First 24 Hours
Once the first 24 hours of your recovery have passed, you can try to eat some easy-to-chew foods. Here are some examples of things that you might incorporate into your diet:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Avocado
- Applesauce
- Mashed bananas
- Smoothies
- Ice cream (If you are concerned about ice cream’s high sugar content, you could try making banana ice cream instead.)
When Can You Eat Normally?
Most people can resume their normal diet within a week or two of their surgery. Be sure to listen to your body and avoid eating anything that causes significant discomfort. Your patience will minimize the risk that any foods will interfere with your recovery process.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
It is best to avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods throughout your recovery period. Here are some additional items that you should temporarily say no to:
- Spicy items. Items with large amounts of spice could irritate your oral tissues and increase your discomfort.
- Small, sharp foods. Popcorn husks and similar foods could get stuck in your gums or cause other problems.
- Alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to heal and cause dangerous interactions with your pain medication.
After your wisdom tooth extractions, you will need to make some temporary changes to your diet. Soon, though, you will be able to resume eating all of your favorite snacks and meals.
Meet the Practice
The experienced team at Santavicca Dental Professionals performs gentle wisdom tooth extractions in a welcoming environment. If you are curious about what to expect with this treatment, we would be happy to answer your questions. Contact our Lebanon dental office at 603-215-7108.