Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery

Post-Op Nutrition and Hydration

One of the best things you can do to speed your recovery after wisdom teeth extraction is adapt your diet for optimal healing. This means you can’t just resort to ice-cream for dinner, though, it might be tempting. Instead, you need to opt for meals that are both comfortable to eat as well as nutritious and reduce the risk of decay and infection. Here are a few suggestions from The Wisdom Teeth Guys in Utah.

Foods to Avoid

There are a number of dietary choices you could make that end up doing more harm than good. By following these restrictions you can stay more comfortable and speed your recovery. So do not eat:

• Foods with small seeds or harder bits
• Crunchy foods
• Sticky foods
• Hot foods
• Acidic foods
• Sugary foods

Foods to Enjoy

You certainly need to be cautious, but this does not mean you are stuck with very little to eat. Here is a short list of things you can slowly add to your diet after surgery.

1. Stay Hydrated

The most important thing immediately following the procedure is to drink water. When drinking, do not use a straw as this can dislodge the blood clot. Also do not consume hot or cold beverages. This will keep your gums healthy, help prevent dry mouth and rinse away bacteria that build up in the mouth.

2. Start on a Liquid Diet

When you first come home from your appointment, you might be nauseated from the sedatives or anesthesia. So for the first few hours, you might want to stick with tempered liquids. But some are better than others. Try to avoid sodas unless you choose flat cola or ginger ale for nausea. You also should think twice about certain juices and sports drinks because they often have a high concentration of sugar and are highly acidic.

3. Focus on Vitamin C

This is a vital nutrient that gives your immune system a boost and is especially good for your gums. It will help keep the soft tissues in your mouth healthy as you recover from surgery. But don’t go biting into a orange just yet. Start out with juices and smoothies and avoid any fruits with small seeds. These can get lodged in the socket and cause irritation.

4. Move on to Thicker Liquids

When you are comfortable enough to move from a purely liquid diet you should start with mild foods that still have some substance. We often suggest apple sauce and smooth soups. Again, be sure to avoid extreme temperatures and stay away from anything chunky.

5. Keep Your Treats Simple

If you do need something sweet, start with puddings or yogurt. These dairy foods are high in calcium and give you something tasty to enjoy. A favorite for many of our patients is a chocolate avocado mousse—a healthier alternative to the sugar packed instant puddings you get from the store. If you are looking for an energy boost, you can try a simple protein or breakfast shake.

6. Put Your Blender to Use

For heartier foods, you can steam some vegetables and puree them in the blender. Squash, carrots, sweet potatoes and peas are good options high in the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

7. Try Soft Grains

Once you have started to heal, you can easily transition to most breads and pastas. These are easy to chew and are the best way to start bringing variety back into your diet. Again though, try to avoid grains with small seeds for now.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth post-op recovery, or certain foods to eat, do not hesitate to call the Wisdom Teeth Guys in Dallas, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah. One of our team members will be more than happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have.