Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that many individuals undergo for various reasons ranging from overcrowding to infection. However, what most people don’t know is that the recovery period is essential in ensuring proper healing, and this includes adhering to particular dietary restrictions. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of eating after wisdom teeth removal to help you better understand how to take care of your oral health.
Do’s:
1. Stick to soft foods – Eating soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing is crucial because doing so can cause pain, swelling, or even dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket. Some examples of soft foods include mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and oatmeal.
2. Drink lots of fluids – Staying hydrated is essential in promoting the healing process and reducing inflammation. Drink plenty of water, clear broths, and fruit juices.
3. Use ice packs – Placing an ice pack on your cheeks can help reduce swelling and manage pain. However, ensure you don’t apply the ice pack directly to your skin to prevent cold burn.
4. Take care when brushing – Brush your teeth gently to avoid irritating the extraction site and causing bleeding.
5. Be patient – Allow yourself enough time to heal before resuming your regular diet, roughly three to four days after the procedure, to avoid any complications.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid hard or crunchy foods – Foods such as chips, popcorn, or nuts can injure the extraction site or cause dry socket, which can be painful.
2. Don’t drink alcohol – Alcohol can cause dehydration, making it harder for your body to heal.
3. Skip hot and spicy foods – These foods can cause irritation, pain, and even infection, delaying the healing process.
4. Don’t use straws – Sucking through a straw can cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to the development of dry socket.
5. Don’t smoke – Smoking can interfere with the healing process, increase your risk of infection, and cause a painful dry socket.
In conclusion, eating after wisdom teeth removal requires a little bit of foresight and effort to ensure that you heal correctly. We hope that our do’s and don’ts give you a better understanding of what you should and shouldn’t do to promote the healing process. Remember to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to take care of your teeth and check-in if you’re experiencing pain or any other symptoms. Happy healing!
