Wisdom Teeth Removal
Melbourne

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal:

• Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Examples include mashed potatoes, pureed soups, applesauce, yogurt, and pudding.
• Blended Smoothies: Nutrient-rich smoothies with yogurt, milk, or non-dairy alternatives, along with soft fruits and vegetables, can be both nourishing and easy to consume.
• Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal is a soothing option, and you can add soft fruits like bananas or cooked apples for flavor.
• Scrambled Eggs: Soft, scrambled eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be seasoned to your liking.
• Cottage Cheese: This dairy product is soft and protein-packed, making it a good choice for post-surgery meals.
• Mashed Avocado: Avocado is naturally creamy and nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats and vitamins.
• Yogurt: Opt for plain or low-sugar yogurt, which is not only soft but also beneficial for oral health.
• Cooked Pasta: Overcook pasta until it’s very soft and then mix it with a mild sauce or broth-based soup.
• Custard or Rice Pudding: These desserts are soft and easy to eat.

What to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal:

• Hard or Crunchy Foods: Avoid foods like chips, nuts, hard candies, and raw vegetables that require a lot of chewing.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate the surgical sites and should be avoided.
• Hot Foods: Extremely hot foods and beverages can disrupt the healing process, so let them cool to a comfortable temperature.
• Acidic Foods: Acidic foods and drinks like citrus juices and sodas can be irritating to the healing wounds.
• Straws: Don’t use straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots and impede healing.
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Avoid alcohol and tobacco products, as they can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Sticky or Chewy Foods: Foods like caramel and taffy can be difficult to chew and may get stuck in the surgical sites.
• Small Seeds: Foods with tiny seeds, like sesame seeds or poppy seeds, can become lodged in the surgical areas and should be avoided.
• Crusty Bread: Bread with a hard crust is challenging to chew and can be uncomfortable.

Always follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions, and if you have any concerns or questions about your diet after wisdom teeth removal, don’t hesitate to contact them for guidance. Proper nutrition and care are essential for a smooth recovery.

The recovery process after wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person, but here are the typical stages and what you can expect:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery: Right after the surgery, you will likely be in the recovery area for a brief period. You may still feel the effects of anesthesia. Your mouth will be packed with gauze to control bleeding, and you’ll receive post-operative instructions.

2. First 24 Hours:

Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal in the first 24 hours. Bite down gently on the gauze provided to help control it. Change the gauze as needed.

Swelling: Swelling is common, and it usually peaks around the second or third day. Applying an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off can help reduce swelling.

Pain Management: You’ll likely be prescribed pain medication. Take it as directed to manage pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help.

Diet: Stick to a soft and liquid diet during this period to avoid disturbing the surgical sites. Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods.

Oral Hygiene: Follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions for oral hygiene. You may need to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.

3. Days 2-7:

Swelling: Swelling should start to subside after the second or third day.

Diet: You can gradually introduce more solid but soft foods into your diet as long as you can comfortably chew them.

Oral Hygiene: Continue to follow the recommended oral hygiene routine, but be gentle around the surgical sites.

Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity during this period to prevent complications.

4. Days 7-14:

Healing: Most of the initial healing occurs during this period, but complete healing may take several weeks.

Sutures: If you had sutures (stitches), they may be removed during this time.

Gradual Return to Normal Diet: You can start returning to your regular diet, but continue to avoid hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical sites.

Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling should continue to improve, but it may take a bit longer for them to completely subside.

5. Long-Term Recovery:

Complete Healing: It can take several weeks to several months for your mouth to fully heal, and the timeline varies from person to person.

Follow-Up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon or dentist to ensure proper healing.

Oral Care: Resume your normal oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the healing sites.

It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including taking prescribed medications, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. If you experience any unusual symptoms, severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Wisdom teeth removal is a common and routine procedure, and with proper care, most people experience a smooth recovery.