Inside: What are the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal? Here’s a daily list of what to eat (and what to avoid), so you’re prepared.
When my son had his four wisdom teeth removed recently, I had an embarrassing memory of getting braces years before.
What they both had in common: I knew for months this was going to happen, but somehow I was caught off guard.
While he slept on the couch under general anesthesia, I called the oral surgeon’s office with questions, ran to the store to pick up various foods and drinks, and wondered why I wasn’t better prepared. Again!
So, if wisdom teeth removal is on the horizon for your child, I wanted to share helpful information about the right foods to eat (and avoid) in the days and weeks after surgery, so that at least you will do it be prepared.
Why it is important
Because wisdom teeth removal is dental surgery, it involves a healing process and recovery period. The body needs nutrients and hydration, but care must be taken so that the surgical areas heal. A common complication is dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when blood clots do not form or pass before the area has healed. Nerves can be exposed, which is incredibly unpleasant (I had dry socket when I had my wisdom teeth removed when I was 20 and it was horrible!).
ADVICE: Hydration is important, but don’t serve drinks with straws for the first few days. Drinking through a straw creates suction in your mouth that can dislodge blood clots that are forming.
What to eat after wisdom teeth removal
Below are good options for each day of recovery, plus the two weeks after wisdom teeth surgery. (Always follow your oral surgeon’s advice and instructions about the types of foods you should eat and those you should avoid. These ideas are just suggestions that worked for us.)
The day of surgery.
Your child will most likely be groggy, tired, and not wanting to eat or drink much. They may also have a sore throat. Therefore, mainly liquid foods and drinks are best.
What to have:
- Yogurt (regular and Greek yogurt)
- Yogurt and kefir drinks
- Pudding (avoid chia or rice pudding right now; here’s a recipe for a soft chocolate and tofu pudding)
- Protein smoothies and shakes, like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Broth such as chicken, beef or vegetables.
- Smooth applesauce (no chunks or peel pieces)
- Ice cream or “Nice Cream” (frozen bananas blended in a blender or food processor)
- Popsicles (our favorites are Outshine fruit bars)
- jelly
- Ginger ale in case of nausea
TIP: My son used our Zoku Slushie and Smoothie Maker make slushies the first few days after surgery. You can put juice, lemonade, soft drinks and other drinks in it.
What to avoid:
- Very hot drinks and foods, which can be irritating to the surgical areas.
- Foods and drinks with small pieces.
- Hard, crunchy foods that can damage the extraction site, such as popcorn, chips, nuts, and seeds.
- Spicy food
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could get stuck in wounds.
ADVICE: Protein helps the body heal. You can increase your child’s protein intake by including foods and drinks such as milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), protein powders added to foods such as smoothies, oatmeal, and pancakes, and puddings made with milk.
The day after surgery
You will want to follow a diet of very soft foods. Your child may still be in pain and not be able to chew much. Very soft foods and foods with a creamy texture will suit you well.
What to have:
- Anything from day 1
- Mashed potatoes and mild gravy
- Curd
- Crushed/mixed beans
- Blended soups or creamy soups without chunks or chunks (warm, not hot)
- Hummus (no raw vegetables or pita yet)
ADVICE: Biting into a tea bag soaked in cold water (then drained) can help with pain and inflammation, thanks to the tannic acids in the tea.
What to avoid:
- Foods and drinks with small pieces.
- Hard, crunchy foods that can damage the extraction site, such as popcorn, chips, nuts, and seeds.
- Spicy food
- Very hot foods and drinks, which can irritate the surgical area.
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could get stuck in wounds.
ADVICE: To quickly make a small portion of mashed potatoes, peel and dice two russet potatoes. Place on a microwave-safe plate loosely covered with a lid. Microwave for 8-9 minutes or until soft when pierced with a knife or fork. Blend with an immersion or hand blender while adding milk, butter and/or sour cream, plus salt, until smooth.
Day 3
By the third day, your child will probably feel much better, but it is best to stick to soft foods and foods that require minimal chewing. Your child may also have jaw pain.
What to have:
- Anything from day 1 and day 2
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft cooked vegetables
- tofu
- Oatmeal (either homemade or instant)
- soft cooked pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baked potatoes (either sweet potatoes or white potatoes)
- Pancakes (try my Protein Pancakes)
- Ripe banana
- canned fruit
- PB&J (use a thin layer of peanut butter so it’s not too sticky and prevents hard crusts on the bread)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Healthy Meals and Snacks for Kids with Braces
What to avoid:
- Very chewy foods
- Hard, crunchy foods that can damage the extraction site, such as popcorn, chips, nuts, seeds, and crunchy bread crusts.
- Spicy food
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could get stuck in wounds.
The next 10-12 days
Your child can eat many more foods, but you’ll want to opt for semi-soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Your mouth may still be tender and the surgical areas may still be healing.
What to have:
What to avoid:
- Raw, crunchy vegetables, such as whole baby carrots.
- Chewy, crusty bread (like baguettes)
- Crispy snacks like chips and tortillas with sharp edges
- Spicy food
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could get stuck in the extraction area.
After that, your child will probably be able to resume a regular diet with his or her favorite normal foods if he or she feels well.
Other useful things to have on hand
- frozen ice packs
- extra gauze
- Ibuprofen and extra-strength Tylenol (or any type of over-the-counter pain reliever your surgeon recommends)
- hot compresses (warm, moist heat may help relieve swelling after the first two days)
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