Although it’s believed that ancient people once needed wisdom teeth for survival, today they’re considered a vestigial feature that’s no longer necessary for survival. Plus, they tend to cause more trouble than they’re worth, so most dentists recommend having them removed.
Then, you must care for your mouth properly after your wisdom tooth extraction to avoid potential complications, such as dry socket or developing an infection. Continue reading to learn more about which foods are safe to enjoy and which ones could interfere with your recovery if you’re not careful!
How Long Must I Wait to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Most patients receive a local anesthetic and/or sedation to help them feel calm and comfortable throughout the wisdom tooth removal procedure. That means you won’t have to worry about any aches until after the medications wear off.
However, many providers caution against consuming anything for a couple of hours following your appointment because the effects of these drugs can linger. You could inadvertently burn or bite the tender tissues inside your mouth while they’re still too numb to sense changes in temperature or pressure. You might also be feeling slightly lightheaded or nauseated, though this usually passes after a few hours.
What Foods Should I Avoid During Recovery?
It can take about three to seven or more days for your connective tissues to mend after having your last molars removed. It’s normal to experience aches and inflammation during this time, which can be exacerbated by poor dietary decisions.
For instance, anything that’s too hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy can potentially damage or dislodge the blood clot that must form at the extraction site to protect the recently exposed nerves and bone tissue. Not only that, but overly sticky or sugary treats could harm it or attract unhealthy bacteria that cause infection and should be avoided. Finally, try not to drink through a straw because the force of suction can push the clot out of place, resulting in a potentially painful complication known as dry socket.
What Foods Are Safe to Eat While Healing?
Thankfully, there are several delicious and nutritious foods that can support your oral and overall health while you recover from your procedure. Some popular options include scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, thin soups, blended fruit smoothies, soft fish, avocados, and cottage cheese.
Also, be sure to drink lots of water (from a glass!) to keep your mouth clear of harmful germs and debris while hydrating your body to support your immune system.
Your dentist can provide a more comprehensive list of dietary restrictions and safe foods to enjoy during recovery to mend as quickly as possible while preventing potential adverse effects!
About the Practice
At Frandsen Dental of Orem, you benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Frandsen and Dr. Dansie share more than 30 years of combined experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including wisdom tooth extractions. They take the time to get to know you, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (801) 224-7900.