Having your wisdom teeth removed is a relatively common procedure, but the recovery process isn’t one you forget easily. Eating the right foods can aid in healing, alleviate pain, and prevent complications such as dry socket.
After surgery, your mouth will be sore, and chewing hard foods can be challenging. Eating food that is soft, nutritious, and easy to swallow is important and won’t burn or irritate the extraction site. Not sure what to eat after wisdom teeth removal? Soft foods you should try after surgery to help your body heal, alleviate pain, and get back to normal.
🍽 What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Select your recovery day to see recommended foods.
Below, a list of the 25 best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, plus tips for a healthy and smooth recovery.
1. Smoothies
Smoothies are great because they’re filled with good nutrition, easy to swallow, and kind to a sore mouth. Break out the soft fruits such as bananas, berries, and mango; blend them with a little yogurt or milk for more protein. Don’t use a straw, as sucking can loosen the blood clot and contribute to dry socket.
2. Applesauce
Applesauce is smooth, bland, and doesn’t need to be chewed. It’s packed with essential vitamins and hydrating, too. Choose unsweetened applesauce to avoid extra sugar.
3. Mashed Potatoes
It’s a soft, creamy, easy-to-eat dish that is perfect for post-surgery. They are energy boosting and full of fiber. You can spoon on some butter or gravy for extra flavor, but avoid anything spicy or chunky as a topping.
4. Scrambled Eggs
They (eggs) are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help with the healing. Eggs are soft and easy to chew, so scrambled eggs are a perfect post-surgery food.
5. Yogurt
Plain or Greek yogurt is cool, soothing, and packed with probiotics that promote digestion. Opt for sugar-free options and steer clear of yogurts with fruit pieces.
6. Blended Soups
Warm (but not hot) blended soups such as tomato, pumpkin, or butternut squash soup can offer hydration and nutrition without chewing. Avoid chunky or spicy soups.
7. Broth
Chicken broth, beef broth, or a broth made with vegetables, on the other hand, will help keep you very well hydrated and contain essential minerals. It’s also a digestive.
8. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is soft, contains protein, and is easily swallowed. You can eat it plain, or mix it with mashed bananas or honey for extra flavor.
9. Oatmeal
After a few days, oatmeal is a good option. It’s fiber-rich, warm , and easy to eat, but be sure it’s nice and soft and not too hot.
10. Avocado
Mashed or pureed avocado is a smooth, nutrient-rich food that’s packed with good fats to aid healing. You can eat it by itself or fan it out on soft bread.
11. Bananas
Bananas are soft, available to chew, and rich in potassium, which aids in recovery training. You can have them mashed or thrown into a smoothie.
12. Pudding
Pudding is yummy and easy to eat if you have just had surgery. If you don’t want it to be too sweet, choose sugar-free syrups.
13. Soft Pasta
Pasta that is sufficiently cooked, like macaroni or noodles, can be eaten within a couple of days. Steer clear of chunky sauces and overly spicy seasonings.
14. Rice or Quinoa
Warm, cooked rice or quinoa feels good on the sore (literally, abused) tongue, and it’s one of the easiest foods to eat that is rich in carbs for energy. Serve with mashed vegetables or delicate gravies.
15. Ice Cream
Ice cream can be comforting, but stick to non-nut flavored ice cream and avoid any crunchy toppings. Stick with simple flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
16. Hummus
Hummus is creamy, full of protein, and easy to eat. Serve it on soft bread or eat it with a spoon.
17. Tofu
Soft tofu is a great plant-based protein that is soft on your mouth. You can mix it into soups or eat it straight.
18. Soft Pancakes
Fluffier pancakes are more palatable to eat after a couple of days! Swap out crunchy toppings with syrup or honey.
19. Soft Cheese
Cheese, such as mozzarella or brie, is soft and also a good source of protein. Stay away from firm or aged cheese that may be difficult to chew.
20. Jell-O
Jell-O is airy, hydrating, and good for a sore mouth. It’s a great choice if solid foods are challenging for you.
21. Soft Fish
Nicely-cooked, flaky fish, such as salmon or tilapia, is soft, healthy, and chewy. Avoid crispy or fried fish.
22. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is soft, packed with vitamins, and can be eaten on its own or stirred into other soft foods
23. Well-Cooked Vegetables
Flat, steamed veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be mashed and eaten with avo!
24. Soft Bread
White bread with the crusts cut off is soft and easy to chew. Toast or crusty bread should be avoided, as it can be too tough.
25. Protein Shakes
If you’re not eating enough, a protein shake can help you get in vital nutrients. Opt for sugar-free options and opt to “sip don’t suck.”
Things Not to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
While you focus on soft foods, there are some foods you should completely avoid to prevent irritation, infection, or dry socket.
Avoid These Foods:
- Crunchy foods (chips, nuts, popcorn)
- Foods that are spicy (hot sauces, peppers)
- Foods that you need to chew are a no-go (gum, hard meat)
- Acidic Diet (Citrus, Vinegar)
- Alcohol, carbonated beverages (including soda, beer, and sparkling water)
- Hard veggies and fruits (raw carrots, apples)
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Eat frequent small meals to minimize discomfort.
- Drink water, but skip the straw.
- Do not consume hot foods and drinks for the first few days.
- Keep your mouth clean by rinsing after meals with warm salt water.
- Pain control and care should be carried out as directed by your dentist.
Final Thoughts
Let’s get right into which foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal to ensure a speedy recovery. Stick to soft, nourishing foods that promote healing and avoid foods that may irritate the area.
If you stick to this wisdom teeth removal diet, you’ll be feeling better faster and back on a normal diet in no time!
FAQ on What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Below are in-depth FAQs that can walk you through the process of what some of the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal are, and how you can recover without any hiccups.
What are the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal?
The top foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal are soft and relatively easy to chew or slurp through a straw, and nutrient-dense. Top options include smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, oatmeal, soup, and pudding. Such foods facilitate healing and reduce pain.
How soon after wisdom teeth removal can I eat solid food?
It is advised by most dentists to wait at least 3 to 7 days before bringing back solid foods. Beginning with a soft diet and gradually changing over to semisolid or solid food as the healing occurs.
Can I eat ice cream after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s okay to have ice cream after getting your wisdom teeth removed, yes, the cold would feel good on your newly extracted teeth, and it’s soft. Do stay away from any ice cream with nuts, candy pieces, or crunchy toppings, as they may agitate the extraction area.
Is it safe to drink smoothies after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, for all the reasons mentioned above, smoothies are a great choice as they are nutrient-dense and no chewing is involved. But don’t use a straw (the sucking force can lead to dry socket, a painful condition that happens when the blood clot is dislodged).
Can I eat rice after wisdom teeth removal?
Rice that is well softened can be eaten after two or three days. Do not eat sticky or hard rice that needs a lot of chewing, as it may disrupt the surgical site.
What foods should I avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
Foods to avoid include things that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy, such as:
Nuts and seeds
Chips and crackers
Spicy foods
Hard vegetables and fruits
Chewy meats
Alcohol and carbonated drinks
Acidic things, such as citrus fruits
These foods may be irritating to the wound, painful, or slow up the healing process.Can I eat soup after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, creamy soups — think tomato or pumpkin, or chicken broth. Ensure the soup is warm instead of hot, as the latter may irritate the surgical site.
When can I eat pizza after wisdom teeth removal?
At least a week later, and pizza is off the table. The hard crust and toppings are hard to chew on and can disrupt the healing area. After the crustless pizza had softened, it might have been nontoxic.
Can I eat bread after wisdom teeth removal?
Soft bread is okay, but steer clear of crunchy or toasted bread that you have to chew. You could then dip bread in soup, or in some other milk, and eat it.
Is yogurt a good food choice after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes – plain or Greek yogurt is a good choice for being soft and cool, and also because it contains probiotics to promote healing and digestion rest). Do not use yogurt with fruit bits, seeds, or sugar.
Can I drink coffee after wisdom teeth removal?
You should avoid coffee for the first 48 hours because caffeine can inhibit your body’s healing process, and hot drinks can irritate the wound. Then, after the same number of days, when your dentist gives the green light, you can drink lukewarm coffee.
Can I eat scrambled eggs after wisdom teeth removal?
Even soft, very ripe pasta is fair game after a couple of days. Stay away from al dente pasta, as it could be too tough to chew properly. Opt for mild sauces rather than spicy or chunky ones.
Can I eat pasta after wisdom teeth removal?
For good nutrition, focus on protein-rich foods such as eggs, yogurt, tofu, and easy-to-chew fish (oftentimes a type of whitefish) and vitamin-rich fruits, vegetables, and smoothies. If it’s difficult for you to eat enough, you may try protein shakes or meal replacement drinks.
How can I ensure proper nutrition while eating soft foods?
To maintain good nutrition, concentrate on protein-rich foods like eggs, yogurt, tofu, and soft fish as well as vitamin-rich fruits, vegetables, and smoothies. Protein shakes or meal replacement drinks can also help if eating is difficult.
Dr. Niraj Ghanghoriya is a passionate dental surgeon with over 12 years of experience in clinical dentistry. He completed his BDS from the prestigious Sri Aurobindo Institute of Dentistry in 2012 and specializes in painless root canals, smile makeovers, and preventive oral care. Known for his patient-first approach and clear communication, Dr. Ghanghoriya aims to make dental knowledge accessible to everyone. When he’s not in the clinic, he enjoys writing informative dental blogs to help people take better care of their oral health.
