Following wisdom teeth extraction, a person may find it useful to consume soft meals that do not require chewing. Individuals should strive to avoid abrasive foods in their meals as well.
The wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to emerge in most adults, and they often manifest themselves in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Dentists often prescribe wisdom tooth extraction only if the wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, edema, irritated gums, or dental rot.
This article discusses which foods to consume and which to avoid following wisdom teeth extraction. Additionally, it discusses the risks associated with the surgery and gives advice on recuperation and self-care.
The National Health Service (NHS) advises patients to consume soft or liquid meals for a few days following surgery.
Vegetables that have been mashed eliminate the need to chew them. The texture and substance may be appreciated following a liquid-only diet.
A person who has access to a blender may produce smoothies and milkshakes at home that comprise a range of fruits and vegetables. These can assist in providing minerals and vitamins, which are especially beneficial during the early stages of recuperation since they aid in wound healing.
However, individuals should avoid fruits with little seeds, since the seeds might become lodged in the incision.
Additionally, an individual may prefer to avoid fruit juices in their milkshakes or smoothies. Fruit juices, according to a 2020 article, may impede the healing process.
Fish, spaghetti, and potatoes are all examples of firmer meals that may be consumed.
Individuals should avoid straws and hot liquids since the suction might dislodge the blood clot, resulting in dry socket. Dry socket is a disorder that results in a dull aching or a sharp, throbbing pain in the jaw or gums.
If a person desires a hot beverage, lukewarm chamomile tea is an option.
Self-care and recovery
Recovery duration and capacity to eat afterward vary by individual.
Individuals should attempt to consume liquids and soft meals immediately following removal and during the next three days. When an individual is ready to consume more solid meals, it is determined by their recovery and comfort.
A nutritious diet is critical for wound healing. However, post-wisdom teeth removal discomfort, inflammation, and jaw rigidity can make eating difficult.
Additionally, the dentist or surgeon may suggest an antimicrobial mouthwash that the patient can use on a daily basis beginning 24 hours following surgery.
To aid with healing, individuals should make an effort to do the following:
Take time off work: The amount of time that an individual should take off work is determined by the severity of the operation and whether or not they had general anesthesia. The NHS suggests taking between one and two days off work. If an individual works in an office setting dealing with living trust forms or other sedentary tasks, it’s likely their healing time will be increased.
Take pain medication: Following wisdom tooth extraction, many people take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Cochrane Clinical Answers reports that evidence indicates that ibuprofen may be more helpful than acetaminophen following this operation.
Take anti-inflammatory meds: A dentist may recommend anti-inflammatory medications following wisdom teeth extraction. Individuals should take these drugs exactly as prescribed by their dentist.
Additionally, using an ice pack may assist alleviate discomfort and swelling.
Additionally, doctors and dentists may give an antibiotic called amoxicillin following a tooth extraction to minimize the risk of infection.
Antibiotics, according to a review of research, may significantly lower the incidence of problems such as infection and dry socket. They are, however, not always required as a Trusted Source.
Complications following surgery
As with any operation, problems can occur when wisdom teeth are extracted. The section that follows goes into further depth on many of these.
Following surgery, infection is possible. Infection symptoms may include the following:
- discharge that is yellow or whitish
- excessive heat
- after 4–5 days, increasing discomfort or edema
- odorous breath
When new bone grows more slowly in an empty socket, this is referred to as delayed healing.
Delayed healing does not always need a return visit to the dentist or surgeon. This may just imply that healing will take longer.
When a blood clot does not form in an empty tooth socket, it is referred to as a dry socket. This may also occur if a clot dislodges, which is a typical issue for those who drink with straws.
Additionally, a person is more likely to experience dry socket if they:
- smoke
- do not adhere to their dentist’s postoperative recommendations
- are over the age of 25
- having had a difficult removal
If a person develops a dry socket, they should call the dentist or surgeon who extracted the tooth to schedule a follow-up consultation.
Jaw numbness on a permanent basis
Wisdom teeth are located in close proximity to nerves that may be harmed during removal. Paresthesia is a term that refers to the numbing of the lower jaw, lip, and tongue as a result of an injury.
Permanent numbness is quite unlikely. However, for several weeks or months, a person may have transient numbness, which can make eating and drinking difficult.
If the numbness persists beyond a few months, it is critical to visit your dentist or surgeon.
Summary
After a wisdom tooth extraction, it is critical to diet carefully to avoid substances that might impede healing or create subsequent dental problems.