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 all four wisdom teeth removed recently, I had an embarrassing flashback to when he had braces years ago.
What they both had in common: I knew for months it was coming, but somehow I was caught flat-footed.
As he slept from the general anesthesia on the couch, I would call the oral surgeon’s office with questions, run to the store to get various foods and drinks, and wonder why I wasn’t better prepared. Again!
So, if wisdom teeth extraction 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 at least I will be ready.
Because it matters
Because wisdom teeth removal is a dental procedure, it involves a healing process and a recovery period. The body needs nutrients and hydration – but you need to take care to let the surgical sites heal. A common complication is dry reception, a painful condition that occurs when blood clots either fail to form or break out before the area heals. The nerves can end up exposed which is incredibly unpleasant (I had a dry socket when I had my wisdom teeth out in my 20’s and it was awful!).
SUGGESTION: Hydration is important, but don’t serve drinks with straws for the first few days. Drinking through a straw creates a suction in the mouth that can dislodge blood clots that form.
What to eat after wisdom teeth removal
Here are good options for each recovery day, plus the two weeks after wisdom tooth surgery. (Always follow your oral surgeon’s advice and instructions about what types of foods to eat and what to avoid. These ideas are just suggestions that worked for us.)
Day of surgery
Chances are your child will be bored, tired and not in the mood to eat or drink much. They may also have a sore throat. Therefore, most liquid foods and drinks are best.
What to have:
- Yogurt (regular and Greek yogurt)
- Yogurt & Kefir Drinks
- Pudding (avoid chia or rice milk now, here’s a recipe for smooth chocolate tofu pudding)
- Smoothies & protein shakes, such as the Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Broth such as chicken, beef or vegetables
- Smooth applesauce (no chunks or chunks of skin)
- Ice Cream or “Nice Cream” (frozen bananas blended in a blender or food processor)
- Popsicles (our favorites are Outshine Fruit Bars)
- Jell-O
- Ginger ale for nausea
TIP: My son used ours Zoku Slush & Shake Maker to make slimes in the first days after surgery. You can put juice, lemonade, soda and other drinks in it.
What to avoid:
- Very hot drinks and food, which can be irritating to the surgical sites
- Food and drinks with small pieces in them
- Hard, crunchy foods that can injure the extraction site, such as popcorn, chips, nuts and seeds
- Spicy foods
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could stick to wounds
SUGGESTION: Protein helps the body heal itself. You can boost your child’s protein intake by including foods and drinks like milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), protein powder added to foods like smoothies, oatmeal, and pancakes and milk pudding.
The day after the operation
You will want to follow a diet of very soft foods. Your child may still have pain and not want to chew much. Very soft foods and foods with a creamy texture will feel good.
What to have:
- Anything from day 1
- Mashed potatoes and smooth gravy
- cottage cheese
- Mashed/mixed beans
- Mixed soups or cream without lumps or chunks (warm, not hot)
- Hummus (no raw veggies or pita yet)
SUGGESTION: Biting into a tea bag steeped in cool water (after squeezing) can help with pain and inflammation, thanks to the tannic acids in the tea.
What to avoid:
- Food and drinks with small pieces in them
- Hard, crunchy foods that can injure the extraction site such as popcorn, chips, nuts and seeds
- Spicy foods
- Very hot foods and drinks, which can be irritating to the surgical area
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could stick to wounds
SUGGESTION: To quickly make a small batch of mash, peel and dice two russet potatoes. Place in a microwave safe dish tightly covered with a lid. Microwave for 8-9 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife or fork. Blend with a blender or hand mixer while adding milk, butter and/or 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 meals and foods that require minimal chewing. Your child’s jaw may also hurt.
What to have:
- Anything from Day 1 and Day 2
- Omelette
- Soft vegetables
- Tofu
- Oatmeal (either homemade or instant oatmeal)
- Soft cooked pasta
- Mac-n-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 avoid hard bread crusts)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Healthy meals and snacks for kids with braces
What to avoid:
- Very chewy foods
- Crunchy, hard foods that can injure the extraction site such as popcorn, chips, nuts, seeds and crusty bread
- Spicy foods
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could stick to wounds
Next 10-12 days
Your child may eat a lot more food, but you’ll still want to stick to semi-soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Their mouths may still be sensitive and their surgical sites are still healing.
What to have:
What to avoid:
- Raw, crunchy vegetables like whole baby carrots
- Chewy bread (like baguettes)
- Crunchy snacks like potato chips and tortilla chips with sharp edges
- Spicy foods
- Foods with seeds and small grains that could stick to the extraction area
After that, your child will probably be able to resume a regular diet of their favorite regular foods if they feel okay.
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 recommended by the surgeon)
- Warm compresses (Moist, warm heat can help with swelling after the first two days)
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