Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures. For many patients, this procedure sets them up for a lifetime of fewer smile issues. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. One challenge that many patients face after wisdom tooth extractions is eating and drinking without impeding the healing process. Here are some tips on how to manage your diet while you heal.
Immediately Following Extraction
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll likely experience some discomfort and won’t want to eat. When you do eat, you should stick to liquids like broths, soups, juices, and water. Avoiding solid foods will help your mouth heal properly.
Avoid using a drinking straw after wisdom tooth extraction. The suction can dislodge the blood clots that cover your surgical sites and cause dry sockets. These are painful and may also delay healing. Be careful not to swish liquids around in your mouth aggressively either since this can also dislodge the blood clots.
The First Week Following Extraction
On the second day after surgery, you can start to eat soft foods, like heartier soups, yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, oatmeal, and boiled, pureed, or mashed vegetables and fruits. Avoid hard or chewy foods that can irritate the extraction sites.
Be careful not to eat overly hot or cold foods, as they can also cause irritation. Avoid letting food sit on the incision sites as well since they’ll still be pretty sensitive and the blood clots may be disrupted.
Beyond the One Week Mark
You should be able to start eating solid foods again about a week after your surgery. However, it is important to listen to your body and only eat what is comfortable. If you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, it is best to stick to soft foods for a little while longer.
Once you are able to eat solid foods, it is recommended that you ease back into them slowly and reintroduce things like rice, eggs, pasta, and finely cut meats one at a time. This will help ensure that your surgical sites have time to heal properly.
Following wisdom tooth extraction, it might seem difficult to stick to a specialized diet. However, this is the best way to ensure that your mouth with be all healed up and as good as new in no time!
About the Practice
Are you looking for a dentist in the Houston area who can meet the needs of you and your family? Look no further than Dr. Mark Gray’s dental office. The office features a beautiful and updated facility with all the comforts and technology necessary to make your visits as enjoyable as possible. If you are considering wisdom tooth extractions, Dr. Gray can help you make the best food decisions to heal quickly and correctly. To learn more about having your wisdom tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gray and his Houston team, visit his website or call (281) 493-9395.