After a tooth extraction, particularly wisdom teeth removal, it’s crucial to follow the right diet to ensure a smooth recovery. Many people wonder, “Can I drink juice after a tooth extraction?” This is a common question since your diet can significantly impact how quickly your mouth heals.
In this guide, I’ll explore the foods and drinks that are safe during your recovery, and which ones to avoid, ensuring you heal comfortably and efficiently.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
What to eat is among the first things that come into your mind once the wisdom teeth have been removed. The food included in the diet is highly critical because specific textures and temperature changes may impact the rate of recovery or healing.
Soft, easy-to-chew foods are highly recommended to avoid disturbing the extraction site.
Scrambled Eggs: These eggs are soft and healthy, loaded with light proteins on a sore mouth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal may vary from person to person, but most people begin to feel normal after one week or so. The first 48 hours are crucial in reducing the swelling and lowering the degree of pain.
Here are some very important tips that will make the recovery much easier:
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses to reduce the swelling in the initial hours to 24 hours. After that, warm compressors can help in promoting blood flow.
- Take Prescribed Medications: Painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by your dentist should be taken just as instructed to prevent any potential complications.
- Keep Your Head Up: Rest with your body elevated to reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid Vigorous Activities: The first couple of days following surgery are to be considered a rest period to give your body the time it needs to heal.
Another recovery principle is to keep hydrated. But, “What can I drink after tooth extraction?” I’ll talk about it in a minute.
What Can I Drink After Tooth Extraction
With the factor of tooth extraction, you are only to consider liquids that are soothing and will not meddle with the process of healing. Here are some drinks:
- Water: Since water is non-acidic, directly after extraction, it would be perfect as it will calm the mouth by hydrating and cleaning without further irritating the wound.
- Juices: Too many wonder, “Can I drink juice after tooth extraction?” Well, you may, but not those juices that have an acid content.
- Avoid Other Acidic Juices: Things like orange juices will just worsen the extraction site further. Try apple or pear juices.
- Herbal Tea: Gentle herbal teas are soothing. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine as it interferes with the blood coagulation process.
- Broths: Crystal broths are healthful, with plenty of watery elements in them that soothe the mouth.
- Milk: This is non-irritating and healthy, but do not add sweet flavors, as these tend to inflame the infection.
50 Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
During the period of recovery after tooth extraction, especially wisdom teeth, soft foods must be stuck to. Soft foods are easier to eat and won’t agitate your extraction site. Here’s a list of 50 soft food options to help you during your recovery:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Smoothies (without a straw)
- Pudding
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Cottage cheese
- Soft cheeses
- Ice cream (without nuts or hard bits)
- Gelatin
- Custard
- Broth
- Soup (without chunks)
- Hummus
- Soft tofu
- Mashed bananas
- Avocado
- Pureed vegetables
- Soft pasta
- Creamy peanut butter
- Soft bread
- Rice
- Polenta
- Quinoa
- Creamed spinach
- Soft fish (like salmon)
- Soft cooked carrots
- Soft cooked zucchini
- Butternut squash
- Mashed peas
- Soft muffins
- Pancakes
- French toast (soft)
- Soft tortillas
- Lentil soup
- Split pea soup
- Smooth oatmeal cookies
- Soft mac and cheese
- Soft pancakes
- Cottage pie
- Smooth mashed sweet potatoes
- Soft brownies
- Milkshakes (without a straw)
- Soft noodles
- Cream soups
- Rice pudding
- Soft risotto
- Silken tofu dishes
Conclusion
Healing from wisdom teeth extraction is not complicated at all especially if one chooses the right type of meal after the procedure.
A common question many patients have is, “Can I take juice after the tooth has been removed?” Yes, but it is recommended to avoid taking juices that contain high acidity, for instance, orange juice since it may take some time to heal but may cause a lot of discomfort once it gets in contact with the extraction site.
Avoid eating solid foods especially those that need a lot of chewing as this may cause the blood clotting to dissolve hence exposing the bone to air and leading to the formation of a dry socket. The following are recommended so that when the time of healing comes, it will not be difficult and uncomfortable.
FAQs
How soon after the extraction of wisdom teeth can one begin eating solid foods?
Most individuals can resume soft solid foods within a few days, but actually, it’s best to wait until the dentist says so.
Can I drink soda after a tooth extraction?
It’s recommended to avoid soda and carbonated beverages for at least a week after surgery, as they can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
What are the warning signs that one has a dry socket after tooth extraction?
Common symptoms are a painful wide-open gum site, mouth foul smell, and exposed jaw where the teeth were pulled out.
