Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that many people undergo in their late teens or early 20s. While removing the wisdom teeth is usually a straightforward surgery, recovery time varies from person to person. One of the biggest questions people have after wisdom tooth extraction is when they can start eating normal foods again.
How long until I can eat solid food after wisdom tooth extraction?
After wisdom tooth removal, it is normal for the extraction sites to be sore and tender for a few days. Most oral surgeons recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Soft foods allow the surgical sites to start healing without being disturbed or irritated by chewing and biting down.
Some common soft foods recommended after wisdom teeth removal include:
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pudding
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Broth or soup
- Jello
Eating only soft foods for the first couple of days allows the initial healing to begin and helps minimize pain and discomfort at the surgery site. Most oral surgeons advise patients to stick to a soft food diet for at least 3-4 days following wisdom tooth removal.
When can I start eating solid food again?
Many patients wonder when it is safe to start eating solid foods again after wisdom tooth extraction surgery. Here are some general guidelines on when to progress your diet after wisdom teeth removal:
- After 24 hours: Soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, soup, scrambled eggs
- 3-4 days after: Soft foods that require a little light chewing like pasta, fish, well-cooked vegetables
- 5-7 days after: Normal diet can usually be resumed, but still avoid very hard or sharp foods that could irritate the surgery sites
The most important thing is to listen to your body and go at your own pace when adding solid foods back into your diet. If you try a food and it causes pain or discomfort at the extraction site, return to soft foods for a few more days. Increase chewing and diet complexity slowly over the first 7-10 days after surgery.
Some signs that you can start progressing your diet include:
- Minimal pain at the extraction sites
- No more bleeding from the surgery sites
- Decreased swelling at the surgery sites
- Stitches have dissolved (if you had them)
Foods to avoid after wisdom teeth removal
While you may be eager to get back to eating normally, there are some foods oral surgeons recommend avoiding during the first 2 weeks after wisdom tooth extraction:
- Hard, crunchy foods like chips, nuts, crackers, raw veggies – can disturb healing surgical sites
- Very hot foods and drinks – can irritate swelling and inflammation
- Spicy foods – can cause pain and irritation
- Sticky, chewy foods like gum, bread, bagels – can dislodge blood clots needed for healing
- Popcorn kernels, seeds, rice – can get stuck in socket areas
- Alcohol – interferes with healing process
- Carbonated beverages – bubbles can irritate wounds
Softer foods that are easy to swallow and won’t irritate the surgery sites make the best choices for the first week of recovery after wisdom teeth removal.
Tips for eating after wisdom teeth removal
These tips can help make eating after wisdom teeth surgery a little easier:
- Stick to cool or lukewarm foods – very hot foods can cause irritation
- Cut food into smaller pieces – reduces chewing motions needed
- Chew slowly and carefully – be mindful of the surgery sites
- Avoid using straws – the suction motion can dislodge blood clots
- Rinse mouth gently after meals – keeps food debris from getting stuck in sockets
- Stay hydrated – drinks lots of water, juices, non-carbonated beverages
When to call your oral surgeon
While it is normal to have some pain, swelling, and irritation after wisdom teeth removal, contact your oral surgeon right away if you experience any of the following:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from extraction sites
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Excessive or worsening swelling
- Bad taste or odor from mouth
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
These can indicate complications like dry socket or infection, which require prompt treatment. Don’t hesitate to call your surgeon if your symptoms don’t seem right.
Recovery timeline for wisdom teeth removal
Here is an approximate timeline showcasing what to expect during the recovery process after wisdom teeth extraction:
Days 1-3
- Bleeding, swelling, pain most noticeable
- Soft food diet recommended
- Rest as much as possible
- Oral surgeon visit to check sockets
- Pain medication as needed every 4-6 hours
Days 3-7
- Transition to soft foods requiring light chewing
- Swelling and pain decreasing
- Oral hygiene important – gentle rinses after eating
- Can usually return to light activity like work/school
Days 7-14
- Sutures dissolve (if present)
- Normal diet can resume, but avoid very hard foods
- Usual oral hygiene routine can resume
- Moderate activity allowed, but avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
Full healing takes 4-6 weeks
While you may feel back to normal in 7-10 days, full healing of the wisdom tooth extraction sites takes around 4-6 weeks. The holes in your gums gradually fill in with new tissue over this time.
Avoid vigorous sports, heavy lifting, playing musical instruments that require blowing, or any other activities that could slow down the healing process. Take care of your oral health by brushing gently around the surgery sites.
See your dentist or oral surgeon if you have any concerns about the healing process at your follow up appointment a few weeks after surgery. With proper self-care and oral hygiene, your mouth will be fully healed within about 6 weeks after wisdom tooth removal.
Conclusion
Recovering after wisdom tooth extraction surgery takes time and patience. Follow your oral surgeon’s post-op care instructions carefully. Stick to soft foods for at least 3-4 days. After the first 24 hours you can begin adding in soft foods that require light chewing, then slowly work your way back to more solid foods within 5-7 days.
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy or acidic foods for at least 2 weeks after surgery as these can damage the healing extraction sites. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, swelling or other concerning symptoms, call your oral surgeon right away. With proper rest and care, you should be back to your normal diet within a week or so after wisdom teeth removal. Just remember that full healing takes 4-6 weeks!
