If you’re preparing to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is helpful to stock up on foods and beverages that will be easy to eat following your extraction surgery. In the days immediately following your wisdom tooth removal surgery, you may experience swelling and tenderness, so it’s best to stick with foods that do not require chewing. But it’s not just hard foods and beverages you should avoid, following surgery. Read on for the best things to eat, and the foods you should avoid following wisdom tooth removal.
Stick with Soft Foods After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After you’ve had impacted wisdom teeth removed, you’ll need to stick with a soft food diet for several days. Stock your kitchen with supplies so that you can enjoy things like:
- Scrambled eggs
- Omelettes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Gelatin
- Mashed vegetables with gravy or sauce
- Noodles
- Rice puddings
- Yoghurt
- Custard
- Soups
Habits and Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After undergoing surgery to have your wisdom teeth removed, you need to use caution to prevent infection. In addition to a mouth rinse that you’ll be instructed to use, it is smart to also abide by the following protocols:
- Avoid hot beverages and hot food
- Avoid alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Do not use a straw, or slurp from a spoon
- Avoid spicy food
- Avoid acidic and citrus food
- Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some adults are fortunate to have enough room in their mouth for wisdom teeth to erupt without causing problems. However, most people do not have enough room to accommodate this extra set of molars, or the molars are coming in at an angle that will affect other teeth in your mouth.
When your wisdom teeth are in an abnormal position, they will need to be surgically removed. If they are not removed, they can lead to problems such as:
- Bacterial buildup
- Bacterial infections
- Development of cysts
- Gum and jaw disease
- Development of tumour
- Locked jaw
Signs that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed include swelling, pain, soreness, pain in the ear or throat, swelling of the gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Removal
It is normal to be sore and swollen after having your wisdom teeth removed. You may need to take a couple of days off from work. Follow all post-surgical instructions provided to you, and take all medication as prescribed. Use ice packs on the sides of your cheeks to alleviate pain and to manage swelling.
You may experience oozing from the extraction site. This is normal and may appear as blood-tinged saliva. If you experience bleeding, use gauze in the wound and gently bite down. If you experience severe bleeding, contact your oral surgeon.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Auckland
Caring 4 Smiles Dental Group provides wisdom teeth removal surgery in Auckland. Contact us today at 09 631 5416 to schedule an appointment. You may also book an appointment online.