Oral Surgery News & Blog

The hard part is over and your wisdom teeth are removed! Now you may be wondering what to eat post-oral surgery. After your wisdom teeth removal, eating is important to maintain your strength, energy, and healing. A proper diet can minimize the risk of complications after your oral surgery and can even help heal wounds. Conversely, a poor diet may lead to infection or inflammation, making your healing more difficult. Here is an easy list of foods to eat and to avoid post oral surgery.

Recommended Foods

Exceptionally soft foods or liquids are key in the first few days after surgery. While you may spend some time mashing up fruits or vegetables, these soft foods will provide you the most nutrition and comfort when healing from your oral surgery. From hydrating broths to nutritious vegetables, Healthline provides a guide that details some of the best foods to eat post-surgery, and the nutrients they provide:

• Blended soups
• Broths
• Greek Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Bananas
• Jell-O
• Applesauce
• Avocado
• Smoothies
• Hummus
• Cottage Cheese
• Mashed Pumpkin

Any food that is soft, liquid, and cold will likely provide the most healing benefits and comfort while recovering from your wisdom teeth removal. As you continue to recover the first few days, you can incorporate more solid foods into your diet like oatmeal, eggs, and toast.

Foods to Avoid

There are many foods to avoid in the first few days post oral surgery. While you may be craving some snacks or a spicy treat, it is best to avoid these foods until you are recovered. Medical News Today recommends avoiding these types of foods to have the best health outcomes:

• seeds or small bits like rice that may get stuck in your teeth or sockets
• spicy foods that may irritate your mouth
• sharp foods, like chips, popcorn, and pretzels
• chewy foods, like gum

While not a food, it is important to avoid smoking and tobacco products after oral surgery. Tobacco products may inhibit healing and lead to complications.

Do not be too discouraged, though. Many people resume normal eating within a week of removal. Patience is key, and a healthy mouth will be worth the wait for your favorite snacks.

Beverage Considerations

Post-oral surgery, it is important to stay hydrated. Water and non-carbonated beverages are the best options to drink post-surgery. While you want to be drinking plenty of fluids, avoid drinking fluids through a straw as it can lead to painful ‘dry sockets.’ Boise Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center also recommends you avoid alcohol, as it can irritate your mouth and negatively react with your pain medication.

Be sure to stay in touch with your oral surgeon and ask what they recommend for your diet post wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Bobst at Boise Oral Surgery will give you a follow-up call post-surgery to ensure you’re on your way to a speedy, safe, and comfortable recovery. Make sure to contact us at Boise Oral Surgery for more information on wisdom teeth removal.