What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The information presented on this site is of personal opinion and consequently is slanted and biased and not based on proper scientific research. The information presented is NOT written by a dental expert. Further the information presented has NOT been subjected to peer review by experts to verify accuracy and data integrity.

Pay special attention to what you eat and what you drink after wisdom teeth removal.

Drink a lot of clear liquids, especially water, to help prevent dehyrdration. Gatorade and fruit juices may be a good choice. You might want to avoid soft (carbonated) drinks such as pop and soda for atleast 3 days to help prevent dry socket. However, if you experience any nausea ginger ale or 7UP may help. Avoid hot liquids and alcohol for the first day. Be sure you do not use a straw as the suction created can dislodge the blood clot leading to dealyed healing and possibily even a dry socket.

Only eat soft foods for the first 2 to 3 days. Make sure these foods are not too hot and also not too cold. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, such as popcorn and hard candy, for atleast two weeks after surgery.

Here is a list of some recommended foods. Be careful as you do not want food to get stuck in the socket.

purée

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4423106049/
smoothie

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tootsfontaine/53344917/sizes/l/in/photostream/
apple sauce

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettyinprint/2837452470/
jello

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/buba69/3450772550/
banana

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/clairity/143368932/
avocado

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/threelayercake/1007092449/
scrambled eggs

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanksalot/84874236/
cottage cheese

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/12335426/
oatmeal

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/3732787507/
rice (should be the kind that sticks together, you don't want it caught in the hole(s) in your mouth)

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualpanic/208024949/
refried beans

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scaredykat/2337473419/
ice cream or frozen yogurt (not too cold!)

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicafm/855848513/
mashed potatoes and other mashed vegetables

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paeonia1/3235494120/
yogurt

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theimpulsivebuy/4741264375/
milkshakes

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/1593794579/
pudding

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuart_spivack/4556364332/
noodle or cream soup (not too hot! and not too many vegetables)

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/haynes/1718242539/
soft pasta

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoosvanrobin/4782635496/
fish

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/822821227/

Some of these images are provided by flickr and have at minimum a creative commons license. Others are being used with permission.

Updated December 16, 2011

References
1. Dr. Anto Youssef, Studio Dentaire. Accessed August 2008.
http://www.studiodentaire.com/questions/en/what-can-you-eat-after-widom-teeth-extraction.php
2. Z Perry. Associated Content. Written June 2006. Accessed August 2008.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/36027/wisdom_teeth_removalextraction_aftercare.html
3. Chowhound. Wisdom Tooth Extraction, What to Eat? Accessed August 2008.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/373812