Wisdom Teeth Removal/Extraction Aftercare: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Following the extraction of wisdom teeth, it is important to avoid eating crunchy or difficult-to-chew foods. Such foods can cause increased pain or prevent healing. However, it is not necessary to resign yourself to eating one or two types of food as some people do. People who only eat milkshakes and/or ice cream for a long period of time after having their wisdom teeth extracted may find the excess sugar unpleasant and be less likely to eat them in the future. Here are some eating suggestions for the first 1-2 weeks after your wisdom teeth are removed, based on my experience with this.

Mashed Potatoes: These are easy to eat and can alternately be topped with gravy, sour cream, or butter for more variety. If the potatoes are well-mashed, this is one of the easiest foods to eat after wisdom teeth extraction. Sweet potatoes can also be considered.

Milkshakes: These are very easy to eat/drink and are a good choice for immediately after the teeth are extracted. Be careful not to use a straw, as this is dangerous for a period of time after wisdom teeth extraction. If ordering these from a fast food restaurant, ask for a spoon instead. You can also use Instant Breakfast packets.

Ice cream: Soft-serve ice cream is preferable, especially for the first couple days after the procedure, and cones should be avoided. The chocolate ice cream (Frosty) at Wendy’s fast food restaurants should be considered, as it is provided in a cup with a spoon.

Instant Pudding: This is another very easy to eat food which is available in a number of flavors. If you are tired of eating sweet foods and drinks, you may want to use lemon-flavored pudding, as it is not quite as sweet-tasting.

Drinks: Most beverages are acceptable, but your prescribed pain reliever may prohibit the use of alcohol. Very cold water should also be avoided, as it may increase pain.

Instant Oatmeal: Although fruit included in this can be a bit chewy, it is relatively easy to eat. Instant cream of wheat should be considered as well, and may be slightly easier to eat. Adding more water will reduce the thickness.

Doughnuts: Depending upon the type of doughnut, these may be acceptable. They should probably be avoided until at least a few days after the wisdom teeth extraction, but soft doughnuts are relatively easy to chew when compared to other foods.

Pastina: These are a type of very small star-shaped noodles which are usually sold in a box at grocery stores. They are easier to eat than most other noodles and are good with butter on them.

Soup: Many soups have chunks of vegetables or meat which are too large, but some are acceptable. Two of the better soups to eat after this procedure (you should probably wait a few days before eating any soup) are chicken noodle and cream of celery.

Some foods which normally seem soft, such as macaroni and cheese, can still be difficult to eat if they are somewhat chewy. This especially applies to the first few days after the procedure. Also, avoid acidic foods and foods which require opening your mouth wide. Acidic foods may cause stinging in the part(s) of your mouth where the wisdom teeth were located.

While these are useful suggestions, you may be able to eat more or less types of food depending upon the severity of your wisdom teeth extraction. Be sure to read all instructions provided to you and ask the dentist who performed the extraction about any questions you may have.