For many of us, having our wisdom teeth removed is a necessary rite of passage. It’s an unpleasant experience. There’s no denying that, but their removal prevents a whole host of complications that arise from wisdom teeth that fail to grow in properly. Therefore, if your dentist thinks that your wisdom teeth should come out, it’s best to follow their advice. But what about afterward? What food can you eat after wisdom teeth extraction?
Prepping for the Operation
Depending on your age and whether the teeth are impacted, your experience with wisdom teeth removal may vary a bit. For those who have exposed wisdom teeth that can be removed without cutting into the gumline, the operation can be done with a local anesthetic. Patients who are younger or have wisdom extraction Irvine that have grown in underneath the gumline may require general anesthetic. You will want to discuss the specifics of your case with your dentist at OC Dental Specialists before surgery to make sure your procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Our Orange County dental care is the best and most compassionate around.
Dealing with the Aftermath
Depending on the level of anesthesia used during your procedure, you may feel groggy afterward. Even if you are only exposed to local anesthetic, it is often safest to make sure you have a ride home just in case you aren’t feeling one hundred percent after. Keep the gauze in place as long as your dentist suggests, and refrain from eating or drinking anything after surgery. Your dentist will tell you how long to wait, depending on what was required during the removal.
Unfortunately, technically being able to eat once the anesthesia wears off doesn’t mean you’ll be ready. Your mouth and jaw are going to be sore for a while. During this time, it’s best to opt for soft foods. Smoothies and ice cream are a great go-to for that first afternoon once it’s safe, but afterward, it can get a little challenging. To make things easier, here are some soft foods that you can enjoy while maintaining a nutritious diet.
Food to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Below are the best food to eat after wisdom teeth extraction. They are a great way to get some nutrients while recovery from your surgery.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is especially good for sating your appetite after losing your wisdom teeth. The higher protein content gives you the nutrition you need, while the soft coolness of the yogurt itself will help to soothe your aching jaw.
Oatmeal
If you need a little more fiber in your soft food diet, then oatmeal is the way to go. Mix in a teaspoon of honey, milk, and blueberries for an easy to eat meal that’s full of nutrition and flavor.
Cottage Cheese
Although the texture isn’t for everyone, cottage cheese is a protein-packed option that you can easily mix with canned or boiled fruit for a very satisfying snack. It is also high in natural fats, so you will want to keep portions small.
Blended Soups
A good, blended soup is the ultimate post-tooth removal food because there are so many possibilities. A trip down the pre-made soup aisle offers blended bean soups, squash soups, lentil soups, etc. They are rich, healthy options for an easy lunch, but you should check the sodium content for your overall health if you’re using pre-made options.
Pudding
Everyone deserves a little sweet treat at the end of the day. To keep your sweet tooth happy, a little fresh pudding will usually do the trick. You can eat it warm or chilled, as both will give your jaw some much-needed relief.
Managing Recovery
As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and don’t attempt to eat solid foods before you’re ready, your recovery should go smoothly without complications. If you have questions, feel free to ask your dentist at OC Dental Specialists.