Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Are you or your child having your wisdom teeth removed? Tooth extractions are common and range in terms of the complexity and invasiveness. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that come in behind the 12 year molars at the back of your jaw. More often than not, wisdom teeth don’t come in properly or at all, remaining impacted under the gums. In these cases they need to be removed.
Due to the invasiveness of wisdom teeth extraction, you may experience some discomfort and a brief recovery period. During this time it is necessary to eat plenty and regularly in order to heal. Here are some of the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
Highly Recommended to Eat 20% After Surgery
- Scrambled eggs
- Avocado
- Refried beans
- Chicken
- Steak
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta/noodles
- Sandwiches
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Pizza
- Burgers
What Not to Eat
The following foods should be avoided while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction:
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy foods like chips and popcorn
Avoid Drinking From a Straw
After any tooth extraction it is important to avoid using a straw for the first week. The reason for this is that the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot from the socket where the tooth was removed. When this occurs it exposes the jaw bone and nerves, which results in a condition called dry socket, which can be painful and delay healing.
When Can I Eat Normally Again?
We recommend eating normal the same day after surgery. It is very important to use jaw muscles to prevent soreness and stiffness of the muscles the next day.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
The best time to extract wisdom teeth is around 15 to 16 years old. Regular dental visits and oral exams with X-rays will track the development of wisdom teeth so that they can be extracted at the optimal time, if necessary.
Fullerton Oral Surgery provides wisdom teeth consultations. Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.