Wisdom teeth are the last to emerge. These teeth usually develop in the late teens or early 20s.
If the wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, gum inflammation, or damage, dentists will recommend that they be removed.
This article will discuss the foods people should avoid after wisdom tooth extractions. This article also discusses the process and offers information about recovery and self-care.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that people eat soft and liquid foods for the first few days following surgery.
These foods may be suitable:
- Pureed seedless fruit
- Soups and broths that don’t get too hot
- Smoothies and milkshakes
- Oatmeal
- applesauce
- Pudding
- Avocado
- Jelly
- Mashed banana
- Mashed beans include black beans, kidney beans and butter beans.
- Mashed sweet potatoes or regular potatoes
- Pureed or mashed vegetables such as carrots or parsnips, or broccoli
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft cheeses
- Yogurt
- Ice cream and frozen yogurt
You don’t have to chew vegetables when you mash them. After consuming liquid foods, texture and substance might be appreciated.
A blender can be used to make smoothies or milkshakes with a variety of fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. These are important for wound healing and nutrition.
People should avoid small seeds as they can get stuck in wounds.
People may also want to avoid fruit juices from their smoothies and milkshakes. A 2020 article states that fruit juices can slow down the healing process.
Fish, pasta, and potatoes are all good options for firmer foods.
Avoid eating after wisdom tooth extraction.
The following foods and drinks can cause complications after wisdom tooth removal.
- Hot or fizzy drinks
- Fruit juices, as acidic substances, can irritate or cause discomfort.
- Seeds, peppercorns, or other spices that have course remains, can get stuck in wounds.
- Spicy foods
- Hard or sharp foods like chips and popcorn
- Nuts
- Alcohol
Avoid drinking hot drinks or straws. The suction can cause blood clots to be dislodged, resulting in a dry socket. A dry socket refers to a condition where the jaw or gums feel throbbing or aching.
A person can choose lukewarm chamomile or a hot drink if they don’t want to heat up.
Self-care and recovery
The recovery times and the ability to eat afterwards will vary from one person to another.
People should eat liquids and soft foods immediately after surgery. When a person can eat solid food again will depend on how well they are healing.
Healthy eating habits are important for wound healing. After wisdom tooth removal, it is possible to have difficulty eating due to pain, inflammation, or stiffness in the jaw.
Individuals may be given instructions and antibiotics and pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
A dentist or surgeon might also recommend antiseptic mouthwashes that patients can regularly use, starting 24 hours after surgery.
People should do the following to help in recovery:
- Time off from work: It depends on how severe the surgery was and whether they were given a general anaesthetic. According to the NHS, you should take 1-2 days off work.
- Use pain relief medication after wisdom tooth extraction: Many people use acetaminophen and ibuprofen to relieve pain. According to Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Clinical Answers suggests that ibuprofen may be more effective after this procedure than acetaminophen.
- Use anti-inflammatory medication: A dentist might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication after wisdom teeth removal. These medications should be taken exactly as directed by the dentist.
Ice packs can also be used to reduce swelling and pain.
Dentists and doctors may prescribe amoxicillin to patients after removing a tooth to reduce the chance of infection.
Studies have shown that antibiotics can significantly reduce the chance of complications such as dry socket and infection. They are usually not necessary.
After removal, complications
There are always complications when removing a wisdom tooth. These complications are discussed in detail in the sections below.
Infection
After surgery, the infection may occur.
Infection symptoms can include:
- Yellow or white discharge
- High temperature
- After 4-5 days, swelling or pain becomes worse
- Bad breath
Antiseptic mouthwashes can help to prevent infection.
Delay healing
It is also known as delayed healing when new bone takes longer to grow in an empty socket.
Delayed healing does not always mean that you need to visit the surgeon or dentist again. This could mean that recovery may take longer.
Dry socket
A dry socket is when there is no blood clot in the empty socket. This can also occur if the clot is not formed in the empty tooth socket.
A person is at greater risk of developing dry sockets if:
- smoke
- Do not follow the instructions of your dentist after surgery
- Are over 25 years old
- Have had to undergo a complex removal
For a follow-up appointment, contact the dentist or surgeon who performed the tooth extraction if a dry socket develops.
Permanent jaw numbing
Wisdom teeth are very close to nerves and can be damaged during extraction. Paresthesia is a condition that causes the lower jaw, lips, and tongue to be numb.
Permanent numbing is not possible. Temporary numbing can occur for several weeks or even months. This can make it difficult to eat and drink.
It is important to consult a dentist or surgeon if the numbness persists for more than a few weeks.
Outlook
After the wisdom teeth removal, it is crucial to ensure that there are enough food options.
Before having their wisdom teeth removed, it is good to stock up on liquids and soft food. This will help them to stick to soft foods and speed up recovery.
The tooth socket should heal in approximately two weeks if there are no complications.
For any complications, contact the dentist or doctor who performed the procedure for a follow-up appointment.
Summary
It is important that a person who has had a wisdom tooth removed eat carefully to avoid any foods that could cause further damage or affect their healing.
Soft, healthy foods are good choices because they won’t cause any complications to the wounds, and the vitamins and minerals found in healthy foods can aid in faster healing.
Avoid foods high in seeds and small pieces that could get into the wounds after wisdom tooth extractions.
