What Can I Eat After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth may cause a variety of problems, both short-term and long-term. When you need to have them removed, you will definitely need to adjust your diet until the open wounds heal. A good rule of thumb is to eat blended or liquid foods for the first few days after wisdom tooth extraction, then move on to semi-soft foods.

Our compassionate, experienced dental team can help prevent future issues, give you peace of mind, and ensure your long-lasting dental health. To find out if you’re at risk and to explore the best solution for you, pay us a visit at our practice in Lancaster, PA, or contact us at LANCO Dental Care today.

How to know if you need a wisdom tooth extraction

Most people have four wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars,” with two at the back of the upper jaw and another two at the back of the lower jaw. And as they appear, they may crowd other teeth and cause a chain reaction of misalignment. This negatively affects your chewing, overall comfort, and the aesthetics of your smile.

Wondering if you need an extraction? The following signs may suggest that it’s in your best dental interest:

• Pain in the tooth or jaw, especially if it’s persistent or seemingly without cause

• Swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness in the gums

• Bad breath that won’t go away

• Swelling, pain, and discomfort in the jaw, especially if it constantly occurs and/or without any specific stimulus

• Difficult or painful chewing or opening of the mouth

If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, reach out to us at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA, so we can help and ensure your long-term oral health.

The potential dangers of wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are among the most publicized and potentially problematic dental issues. One risk is that they become impacted or partially impacted, meaning they become trapped within the jaw or gums.

These third molars are also capricious and emerge haphazardly according to their own whim. They may grow toward the back of the mouth, parallel to the jawbone, or toward other teeth.

And their location makes them hard to clean, even if your hygienic habits are top-notch. As such, the risk of decay is increased. Not only for the wisdom teeth themselves but also for adjacent teeth that may be blocked by the encroaching third molars.

And you may have trouble detecting decay in these regions. If left untreated, it could advance and cause a severe complication, like an abscess.

Aftercare considerations and culinary choices

After your extraction, you should avoid smoking, spitting, and using straws. These actions create suction and pull on the sutures, potentially tearing them and causing a re-opening of the wound.

It’s also vital that you make the right dietary choices to ensure complete, proper healing. It’s recommended that you eat soft foods and avoid temperature extremes by not consuming anything too cold or hot. Some great culinary options include blended soups and broths, which are also nutrient-dense. Any mashed fruits, sauces, or smoothies can satisfy your sweet tooth while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Yogurts, especially Greek style, are satiating and loaded with proteins that help reduce hunger and contribute to healing and building new tissues.

After a few days, you can introduce semi-soft foods, like scrambled eggs, which are tasty and packed with protein. And oatmeal offers an easy-to-eat, delicious snack packed with fiber to help you feel fuller for longer. Similarly, beans contain fiber and protein. Other soft foods, like sandwiches or noodles, can also be included.

There are also certain things you should avoid. Alcohol can slow healing. Spicy and acidic foods are also inadvisable as they cause irritation and pain. Things that are crumbly or crunchy, and most common snack foods (chips, seeds, nuts, popcorn) may get stuck in the wound, cause an infection, or otherwise delay and complicate the recovery process. You’ll also want to steer clear of tough, chewy foods, like jerkies.

Reach out to our expert team to learn more in Lancaster, PA

Wisdom teeth are a potential ticking time-bomb, waiting to cause all sorts of complications that could be prevented with timely care. So, don’t leave your dental future up to chance. Contact us today at LANCO Dental Care to ensure your best outcome. We also welcome you to visit our practice in Lancaster, PA.