After most oral surgery procedures such as having wisdom teeth removal, your mouth may be quite sore and this may affect what you can eat. In addition, eating the wrong foods may disrupt the healing tissues and cause complications like an infection.
It can take several weeks to fully heal after wisdom teeth surgery. During this time it is important to keep a balance between maintaining adequate oral intake, while avoiding any injury to the surgical sites. As time progresses, you will be able to tolerate more solid foods. However, during the first 1-2 weeks it is critical that you stick to a soft minimal-chew or liquid diet.
FOODS TO CONSIDER IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING HOME
When you first arrive home, your mouth will still be frozen ("numb") and you may still be groggy from sedation. Therefore it is important to focus on foods and drinks that are cold or luke-warm and easy to digest and swallow.
Lots of water
Flat ginger-ale
Clear chicken broth
Jello
Freezies
ADDITIONAL FOODS TO CONSIDER
Remember that during the first 3 days, you will experience progressive swelling in your cheeks and difficulty with opening your mouth. This is completely normal and there is no need to panic. During this time it is important to stick with foods that require minimal chewing.
Soups
Smoothies (watered down)
Yogurt
Anything that is pureed
Towards the end of your first week and onwards, you may consider advancing your diet to the following list. However, as you advance your diet, please remember to gently rinse your mouth with salt/water afterwards.
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Soft pasta
Finely cut meats and fish
Oatmeal
WHAT ABOUT SMOOTHIES?
Smoothies are a great option as of day #2 and onwards. You can use smoothies to add extra protein, vitamins and calories to your diet. However, please make sure that you avoid using fruits that have lots of seeds (strawberries) as they may get trapped in the extraction sockets.
CAN I USE A STRAW?
Avoid drinking through a straw, especially during the first week as sucking through a start can cause more bleeding and disturb the normal healing process.
WHAT TO AVOID?
Try to stay away from the following to ensure an uneventful recovery:
Acidic fruits, such as oranges and tomatoes
Carbonated drinks, including sodas and sparkling waters
Hard seeds, nuts and popcorn
Candy
Spicy foods
Hot drinks (especially on the first day, when your mouth may still feel numb)
Alcohol
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic at 905-553-6725.
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