On the day of surgery, you will have a moderate amount of discomfort. It is likely you will be hungry but will not want to eat. Please avoid solid foods altogether. Instead, stick to liquids like broth. It is essential that you get enough liquid in your diet, juice, and water are great options. It is also very important to avoid the use of straws until your post-op appointment.
As wisdom tooth patients recover, they can begin to add semi solid foods back into their diets. Generally anything that you can smash through a fork will be a good choice for food until you are healed. Please see the list below for suggestions that will cause minimal stress on the mouth and gums.
Meal Ideas:
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Baked Beans
- Mashed Potatoes
- Meatloaf
- Very Soft Pastas
- Avocados
- Fish/Salmon
- Room temperature soups and broth
- Egg salad
- Peanut butter (creamy) and jelly sandwich
- Sloppy Joes
- Sheppard’s pie
Snack Ideas:
- Applesauce
- Greek Yogurt
- Hummus
- Ice Cream (limited)
- Cottage Cheese
- Pudding/Jell-O
- Protein Shakes (please use a spoon)
- Smoothies (please use a spoon and avoid seeds)
Breakfast Ideas:
- Oatmeal
- Cream of Wheat
- Scrambled Eggs
- Protein Shakes (please use a spoon)
- Smoothies (please use a spoon)
Remember chewing near the extraction site should be avoided if possible, so not to inflame the area if food is too large. It is important to rinse with warm salt water and avoid over-the-counter mouthwash.
We recommend to avoiding:
- Popcorn
- Peanuts
- Doritos or Potato Chips
- Corn Nuts
- Spicy Foods
- Hot or carbonated beverages for the first 48 hours
- Alcohol especially with prescription pain medication