Knowing the food to eat after wisdom tooth extraction is as important as the procedure itself. The wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure of the third molars also known as our 18-year old molars. Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, posterior to the second molars in each quadrant (halves of each jaw).
They generally begin to appear in the mouth while you’re between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth even appear earlier or later in life. Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine dental procedure among young adults. However, some patients postpone the surgery into later years of life.
Reasons for removing the wisdom teeth
If the wisdom teeth are impacted but not causing any problems, they normally don’t need to be removed. However, in most cases, wisdom teeth become impacted; meaning they do not fully erupt through the gum surface, or they erupt in the wrong direction. The inability to erupt in the proper position can potentially create dental issues. Food and germs can become lodged inside the gums around the borders, resulting in plaque build-up, necessitating wisdom tooth extraction. To learn more about different types of wisdom tooth impactions, click here.
Thes trapped plaque, food debris, and bacteria around wisdom teeth induce:
- Inflammation in the gums leading to pain, soreness, bleeding, and discomfort.
- Secondly, the trapped material, and bacteria in combination destructs the enamel structure of the teeth leading to teeth cavities.
- Pus from the bacterial infections in the gums or roots of the wisdom teeth can travel to the surrounding structures such as the throat and sinuses.
- In rare cases, fluid-filled sacs can develop around the un-erupted wisdom teeth also known as cysts.
Anesthesia is administered before the surgery. Usually, surgeons will administer a combination of local, sedative, and general anesthetics during wisdom teeth extraction The dental surgeon will most likely make incisions to remove the wisdom teeth if they have not erupted in already. If the bone is obstructing access to the tooth’s root, it may be necessary to remove it. After the teeth are extracted, the area will be cleaned and stitches will be used to seal the incision if required. Finally, the extraction site can be secured with dental gauze.
It’s crucial to watch what you consume after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed. Soft, cold, and liquid foods will be recommended to not aggravate the extraction site, allowing it to recover quickly. Moreover, it is critical to follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding what to eat after surgery.
10 food to eat after wisdom tooth extraction
It is best to consume only liquids and eat soft foods following wisdom teeth extraction. Cold foods are especially effective at relieving pain, they will not dissolve blood clots. It’s recommended to consume foods that are rich in nutrients. Vitamins and mineral supplementation can aid in the healing process. You can consume a couple of healthful, soft meals, such as but not limited to
5 Breakfast Food to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction (also a good option for snacking)
- Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in protein and is smooth in texture. It’s also cool, which can help with pain relief.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is another great option. It contains a lot of vitamin C and can be cooled to relieve pain.
- Smoothies: Smoothies contains a lot of nutrients. Add a choice of fruit and a splash of milk in a blender. Honey or even yogurt can also be added for extra flavors.
- Mashed bananas: Bananas are a great source of potassium and other vitamins. Mash and drizzle them with honey for added flavors.
- Mashed potatoes and boiled eggs: Potatoes mashed with boiled eggs are another great idea for a breakfast or for snacking after wisdom teeth removal.
5 Lunch and Dinner Food to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- Broth and soups: Soups and broths are ideal for hydration and consuming a variety of nutrients after teeth removal. You can add a variety of vegetables or meat but make sure that all the ingredients are well-blended and not overly heated.
- Hummus: It is a great source of omega 3 fats. But make sure not to use crisp or bread when you decide to eat hummus after wisdom teeth removal.
- Mashed pumpkin: Cooked, mashed and cooled pumpkin is soft and mushy in texture. It also contains essential vitamins that strengthen immunity and promotes healing of the treatment area.
- Blended lentils: Cooked and blended lentils serve great after wisdom teeth extraction. Make sure to keep it bland and do not add spices.
- Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are easy to make and are smooth in texture. Hence a good idea to add to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner after wisdom teeth removal.
Besides eating puddings, custards, and ice cream in addition to the main course can make the healing process more enjoyable. Consumption of spicy, hot, solid, and crunchy foods after a wisdom tooth extraction is not recommended. Because these foods will only irritate the treatment area inducing pain and discomfort. Moreover, the healing will period will be affected.
When wisdom teeth are removed, most people recover fast if they follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions. The list of these instructions is to consume a proper diet while avoiding the wrong ones. You’ll be considerably more at comfort, and the chances of complications will be greatly reduced.
To learn more about the management of third molars and various research papers from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, please click on this link.
