Inside: What are the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal? This is a daily list of what to eat (and what to avoid). Then you’ll be ready.
When my son recently had all four of his wisdom teeth removed, I had embarrassing flashbacks to when he had braces years ago.
What they both have in common is that they’ve known for months that the moment would come, but somehow they were deterred.
While he woke up from general anesthesia and was asleep on the couch, I called the oral surgeon’s office with questions, dashed to the store to pick up various foods and drinks, and wondered why I hadn’t been more prepared. I was wondering. Also!
So, if your child’s wisdom teeth are about to be removed, at least so you’re prepared, we’ve provided you with some helpful information about the right foods to eat (and avoid) in the days and weeks following surgery. I wanted to share it.
why is it important
Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental surgery and requires a healing process and recovery period. Your body needs nutrition and hydration, and you must take care to allow the surgical site to heal. A common complication is dry socket. This is a painful condition that occurs when a blood clot either fails to form or is expelled before the area has healed. Nerves can be exposed, which can be very uncomfortable (I had a dry socket when I had my wisdom teeth removed in my 20s, and it was awful!).
Tip: Staying hydrated is important, but don’t offer drinks through a straw for the first few days. Drinking through a straw creates suction in your mouth, which can dislodge any blood clots that may have formed.
What to eat after wisdom tooth extraction
Here are recovery days and options for the two weeks after wisdom tooth surgery. (Always follow your oral surgeon’s advice and instructions regarding the types of foods you should consume and those you should avoid. These ideas are just suggestions that have worked for us.)
On the day of surgery
Your child is probably groggy, tired, and not in the mood to eat or drink much. Your throat may hurt. Therefore, primarily liquid foods and drinks are best.
Things to prepare:
Yogurt (regular and Greek yogurt) Yogurt drinks and kefir puddings (avoid chia or rice pudding for now; here’s a recipe for smooth chocolate tofu pudding) Smoothies and protein shakes (like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake Broth) ) Chicken, beef, or vegetables Smooth applesauce (no chunks or bits of skin) Ice cream or “nice cream” (frozen bananas blended in a blender or food processor) Popsicles (my favorite is Outshine Fruit Bars ) If you feel nauseous, try gelled ginger ale.
Tip: My son used the Zoku Slush & Shake Maker to make slushies for the first few days after surgery. Can hold juice, lemonade, soda and other drinks.
Things to avoid:
Very hot drinks and foods that can irritate the surgical site Food and drinks that have small pieces in them Hard and crunchy foods that can hurt the extraction site, such as popcorn, potato chips, nuts, and seeds Spicy foods and seeds may be caught in food wounds containing grains or small grains.
Tip: Protein helps your body heal. You can increase your child’s protein intake by including foods and drinks such as milk, yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), protein powders added to foods such as smoothies, oatmeal, and pancakes, and puddings made with milk. .
The day after surgery
It is necessary to follow a very soft diet. Your child may still be in pain and unable to chew much. Foods that are very soft or have a creamy texture taste delicious.
Things to prepare:
Things from day 1 Mashed potatoes and smooth gravy Cottage cheese Mashed/blended beans Blend or cream soup without pieces or lumps (warm, not hot) Hummus (no raw vegetables or pita yet)
Tip: Biting (and then squeezing) a tea bag soaked in cold water can help relieve pain and inflammation thanks to the tannic acid found in the tea.
Things to avoid:
Foods and drinks that have small pieces in them Hard, crunchy foods, such as popcorn, potato chips, nuts, and seeds that can hurt the extraction site Spicy foods Very hot foods and drinks that can irritate the surgical site Seeds can get caught in food wounds containing grains or small grains.
Tip: To quickly make a small batch of mashed potatoes, peel and dice 2 russet potatoes. Place in a microwave-safe dish with a loosely covered lid. Microwave for 8-9 minutes or until soft when pierced with a knife or fork. Add milk, butter, sour cream, or salt and blend with an immersion blender or hand mixer until smooth.
3rd day
By the third day, your child should be feeling much better, but it’s best to stick to soft foods and foods that require minimal chewing. Your child’s jaw may still be sore.
Things to prepare:
Day 1 and Day 2 Scrambled eggs Soft-cooked vegetables Tofu Oatmeal (either homemade or instant oatmeal) Soft-cooked pasta Mac and cheese Baked potatoes (either sweet or white) Pancakes (protein pancakes) Try) ripe banana canned fruit PB&J (use a thin layer of peanut butter to avoid stickiness and avoid hard bread crusts)
You may also like: Healthy Meals and Snacks for Kids Getting Orthodontics
Things to avoid:
Very chewy foods Crunchy, hard foods that can damage the extraction site, such as popcorn, potato chips, nuts, seeds, and crusty bread ears Spicy foods Seeds or small grains that can get stuck in the wound foods containing
Next 10-12 days
Your child can eat more food, but it’s best to default to semi-soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Their mouth may still be sensitive and the surgical site is still healing.
Things to prepare:
Things to avoid:
Raw crunchy vegetables, such as whole baby carrots Chewy, crunchy bread (such as baguette) Crunchy snacks like potato chips or tortilla chips with sharp edges Spicy foods Seeds that can get stuck in the brewing area and foods containing small grains
After that, if it’s okay, your child will likely be able to resume a normal diet with their favorite regular foods.
Other things that are useful to have on hand
Frozen ice packs Additional gauze Ibuprofen and additional strength Tylenol (or any over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your surgeon) Warm compresses (moist heat may ease swelling for the first two days)
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