Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, but the days after surgery can leave you wondering: “What can I eat after my wisdom teeth are taken out?” Choosing the right foods is essential for healing, avoiding discomfort, and preventing complications.
At Northalsted Dental Spa in Chicago, IL, we help patients through every step of the recovery process. That’s why we’ve put together a clear guide on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal to make your healing as smooth as possible. Continue reading to learn more and prepare for your post-surgery recovery.
Why Your Diet Matters After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
After your procedure, your mouth needs time to heal. The surgical site will be sensitive, and the wound(s) will be in the process of closing. Eating the wrong foods, like hard, crunchy, or spicy items, can cause pain, disrupt healing, or even lead to infection. It’s important to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods that are packed with nutrients to help your body recover.
What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery: Timeline
The First 24 Hours: Liquids and Very Soft Foods
During the first day after surgery, your mouth will be most sensitive. You’ll likely have swelling, soreness, and some bleeding. This is when you consume liquids and smooth textures that don’t require chewing.
Good options for the first day:
- Smoothies – Avoid seeds or berries with small seeds that can get stuck in the extraction site.
- Broths – Warm (not hot)
- Applesauce
- Protein shakes
- Milkshakes
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Sherbet
- Puréed soups
Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot in your healing socket and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Days 2–3: Soft, Nutrient-Rich Foods
As the swelling starts to go down, you can slowly add more variety to your diet. Stick to soft foods only and avoid chewy or crunchy foods.
Recommended foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Cottage cheese
- Soft noodles
- Tofu
- Avocado
- Bananas
Days 4–7: Expand Your Soft Food Options
By the end of the first week, most patients can start eating a wider range of soft foods. You should still avoid anything crunchy, sticky, spicy, or too hot.
Foods you can try now:
- Soft pasta
- Tender fish – Like baked salmon that flakes easily with a fork
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Pancakes or soft breads – Without seeds or crunchy crusts
- Eggs
- Ice cream
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach – Cooked or in soups and smoothies
- Hummus – Paired with soft bread, not crunchy vegetables
Remember, wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but it’s still oral surgery. Your body needs time to recover before you can go back to a normal diet. When in doubt, choose room-temperature food items that are puréed or in a liquid form.
Hydration Is Just as Important as Food
Drinking plenty of fluids will keep your mouth moist and support healing. Water is best, but you can also have:
- Coconut water
- Herbal tea (cooled)
- Milk or dairy-free alternatives for protein and calories
- Fruit-infused water
- Smoothies and shakes
Remember: Do not use straws until your dentist says it’s safe.
What Not to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Now that we’ve covered what to eat after extracting wisdom teeth, it’s important to go over what you should avoid. Some foods can interfere with the healing process or cause pain after surgery. In the first 1 to 2 weeks, avoid:
- Hard or crunchy foods: Such as chips, nuts, popcorn, or crusty bread.
- Spicy foods: These can irritate the surgical site.
- Chewy foods: Like bagels, steak, dried fruit, or other tough foods.
- Sticky items: Think candy, like taffy or caramel.
- Foods with small seeds or grains: Strawberries, raspberries, sesame seeds, or quinoa can get trapped in the socket.
- Very hot foods and drinks: Heat can increase swelling and bleeding.
- Carbonated or alcoholic drinks: Can irritate the wound, delay healing, and increase the risk of complications.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Citrus fruits, tomato-based sauces, and sodas can sting the extraction site(s) and slow healing
Avoiding these items will help reduce the risk of complications and promote faster, more comfortable healing.
Healing Timeline Following Wisdom Teeth Surgery
- First 24 hours: Swelling, minor bleeding, and tenderness are normal.
- 2–3 days: Swelling begins to improve; you can eat more soft solids.
- 4–7 days: You should see a further decrease in both swelling and tenderness. However, the incision sites are still at risk of tearing.
- 1–2 weeks: Most patients can return to their normal diet, avoiding only the hardest and crunchiest foods until fully healed.
Common Complications After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal without major issues, but it’s important to know about potential complications so you can watch for them and act quickly if needed. Watch for these issues:
- Dry socket
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, bad odor, pain)
- Nerve irritation
- Excessive bleeding
- Jaw stiffness
Knowing what’s normal and what’s not will help you recover more comfortably and get help quickly if a problem arises.
When To Call Your Dentist
While mild discomfort is expected, contact your dentist if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve
- Excessive bleeding after the first day
- Signs of infection
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
- Pain that spreads from the socket to other areas of the face or neck
- Bad breath or taste in your mouth
- Clear loss of the blood clot (where the tooth was removed)
Reaching out about any concerns allows your dentist to address problems early. This helps you avoid further discomfort and keeps your recovery on track.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority at Northalsted Dental Spa
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we make sure every patient feels supported before, during, and after wisdom tooth removal. If you have questions about what to eat after getting wisdom teeth out or need help during recovery, our team is here to guide you.
Call us at (773) 296-0325 or schedule an appointment online to learn more about your treatment and recovery options. Since 2005, we’ve provided wisdom tooth removal for Wrigleyville patients, as well as clients throughout the Chicago area. You can rely on us for restorative dentistry, advanced cosmetic procedures, and more!
