What to eat after having the removal of wisdom teeth
After a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to make sure you have the right nutrition, which can help speed the recovery process, and ensure that there’s a minimal risk of complications.
Of course, after this kind of procedure, you’re also limited in terms of what you can eat, because there will be some pain and discomfort in the mouth. Luckily, there’s a wide range of perfectly delicious soft foods which have plenty of vitamins and minerals to make sure you’re eating healthy.
Here are some of the foods that the team at Parra Dental would recommend to people who have just had a wisdom tooth extraction:
1) Blended Soups and broths
Tomato or pumpkin soup is delicious and perfect after a wisdom tooth extraction. Alternatively, a good broth can do much the same job. They’re full of vitamins and minerals, and make you feel good, because they also pack a flavour punch. Most critically, both these kinds of soups don’t have “bits” in them that might catch on and interfere the area of surgery.
Also, both kinds of soups taste good cold. Hot food after a wisdom tooth extraction can cause pain.
2) Greek Yogurt
The protein in yogurt is an important part of the recovery process, particularly given that you’ll be denied the usual sources of protein – meats and nuts. Studies show that protein helps speed recovery times. Additionally, the zinc and calcium in yogurt are also essential to health and well being.
3) Mashed Potato
Mashed potato is filled with calories and flavour, which helps to keep the energy levels up, and is important because after surgery the human body has a higher calorie requirement than normal. Additionally, mashed potato packs a lot of energy and nutrients into small amounts of food. Given that many people struggle to eat large amounts after surgery, this is an important benefit.
4) Scrambled Eggs
Another great source of protein, scrambled eggs are also good for recovery because they can contain high levels of omega-3 fats, which research suggests might be good at helping wounds to heal more quickly. And, as opposed to other ways of preparing eggs, scrambled eggs are easy to chew and swallow.
5) Pureed bananas, apples, and avocados
Having a high fruit intake post-surgery is a good idea, and fruits have that sweetness factor which makes them pleasant and comforting to eat. Of the fruits out there, bananas, apples and avocados have the kind of nutrients best suited to helping a recovery from surgery.
If the sight of pureed fruit isn’t appetising (and let’s face it, it’s not), why not make a smoothie out of it. Blended with Greek yogurt, above, a fruit smoothie is both an excellent source of nutrition when you might not have an appetite for more substantial meals.
If you have any concerns about your diet post-wisdom teeth removal, please talk with your friendly Parramatta Dental Studio dentist. We’ll be able to help you come up with a nutrition programme that you’ll enjoy eating, but will also ensure the quickest recovery time.