Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that many people undergo in their late teens or early 20s. While the surgery itself may only take an hour or two, the recovery process can take several days. During this time, it’s important to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operation instructions carefully, including sticking to soft foods like chicken noodle soup.
When can you eat solid foods after wisdom teeth removal?
In general, you’ll need to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for the first 24-48 hours after getting your wisdom teeth out. This gives your mouth time to begin healing from the surgery. Exactly when you can graduate to solid foods depends on your individual healing process and how many wisdom teeth were removed. Here are some general guidelines for recovering after wisdom tooth extraction:
- Days 1-3: Stick to a liquid diet – Broths, juices, smoothies, yogurt, milkshakes, etc. No straws!
- Days 3-5: Try soft, mushy foods – Applesauce, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, etc.
- Days 5-7: Add in soft foods that require some light chewing – Soups, noodles, cooked vegetables, flaked fish, etc.
- Day 7+: Most people can return to normal diet around days 7-10, barring any complications or dry socket issues.
Throughout your recovery, make sure to chew slowly and only on the side opposite the extraction site(s). And avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgery site. Pay attention to any lingering pain or discomfort – if it persists or gets worse, stick to soft foods for a bit longer before trying more solid fare.
Benefits of chicken noodle soup after wisdom teeth removal
Chicken noodle soup is a great soft food option in the days following wisdom tooth removal. Here are some of its benefits:
- Provides hydration from the broth to prevent dehydration
- Packed with protein from the chicken to help healing
- Contains noodles that are soft and easy to chew
- Warm broth can soothe pain or discomfort
- Filling and satisfying without much chewing required
- Packed with micronutrients from carrots, celery, onions, etc.
- Provides electrolytes like sodium to replenish what’s lost after surgery
In addition to being nutritious and easy to eat, chicken noodle soup also has that feel-good factor when you’re recovering. The cozy warmth can help distract from any lingering pain and discomfort after oral surgery.
Tips for eating chicken noodle soup post wisdom teeth removal
Here are some tips to keep in mind when enjoying chicken noodle soup in your wisdom teeth recovery:
- Opt for broth-based soups over cream-based for less fat/more hydration
- Choose noodles that are short and tender, like egg noodles or broken spaghetti
- Cut noodles into smaller pieces before eating for easier chewing/swallowing
- Avoid spicy broths that could irritate surgery sites
- Take small sips of broth first to test temperature – start lukewarm
- No straws or slurping! Drink spoonfuls straight from the bowl or use a cup
- Sit upright while eating and go slowly to avoid choking on noodles
- Avoid very hot soups – warmth feels good but can damage healing tissue
Pay attention to your body’s signals while eating chicken noodle soup or other soft foods. If you experience intense pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing, stop eating and contact your oral surgeon’s office.
Are there any risks or restrictions around chicken noodle soup?
Chicken noodle soup is generally safe to eat soon after getting wisdom teeth out, but here are a few considerations:
- May be too hot initially if not allowed to cool – stick to lukewarm
- Noodles may slip down throat before fully chewed – chew thoroughly and go slow
- Broth seasonings may irritate surgery site if too spicy – avoid chili, garlic, etc.
- Fat from broth or chicken could cause nausea – start with fat-free broth
- Salt from broth could exacerbate swelling – limit/avoid initially if needed
Talk to your oral surgeon if you have any concerns about irritation, nausea, or other reactions to eating chicken noodle soup or other soft foods after wisdom tooth extraction. You may need to stick with cooler, blander pureed foods for a bit longer before advancing.
When can you have hot chicken noodle soup again?
In the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal, it’s best to avoid anything too hot, including steaming hot soups. Very warm foods or liquids can damage the healing surgical site tissue. Lukewarm or room temperature foods are best initially.
Once the first day has passed, you can slowly start to introduce warmer foods. Hot chicken noodle soup is OK from 48 hours (day 2) after surgery and beyond, as long as you are mindful of temperature.
Here are some tips for slowly easing back into hot soups:
- Test a small spoonful first to gauge temperature
- Blow on spoonfuls of broth or noodles to cool them down
- Add ice cubes to rapidly cool down portions of the soup
- Avoid microwaving soup after cooking – reheat slowly and gently
- Use a straw to sip broth from edges of the bowl instead of deeper gulps
Listen to your body – if you experience sharp pains or throbbing from eating or drinking something hot, go back to cooler temperatures. Keep in mind that medicines like local anesthetic can numb pain so be extra careful with hot foods in the first few days.
How can chicken noodle soup help recovery?
Chicken noodle soup offers several benefits that can aid the wisdom teeth removal recovery process:
- Hydration – The broth provides fluids to prevent dehydration from surgery medications, bleeding, mouth breathing, etc.
- Nutrition – Chicken and veggies provide protein, vitamins, minerals for healing tissues.
- Comfort – Warm, soft, and familiar food is soothing after an intense surgical procedure.
- Calories – Provides energy from carbs, protein and some fats while eating may be uncomfortable.
- Electrolytes – Broth contains sodium, potassium to replenish what’s lost during surgery.
- Immune boost – Nutrients support immune function after it takes a hit from surgical stress.
Make sure to include fluids and soft, nutrient-dense foods at each meal and snack during wisdom teeth recovery. Focus on getting proper daily nutrition even if your appetite is diminished. This will provide your body with what it needs to heal quickly and comfortably.
When to call your dentist about chicken noodle soup
Chicken noodle soup is usually safe to eat a day or two after getting your wisdom teeth out, but call your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience:
- Intense or throbbing pain when eating or drinking soup
- Difficulty swallowing noodles or choking sensations
- Nausea, vomiting, or other intense reactions after eating soup
- Fever over 101 F along with soup intolerance
- Signs of bleeding or infection like foul taste or pus
These could indicate issues like dry socket, infection, or other complications that need attention. Don’t force yourself to eat chicken noodle soup or other foods that don’t sit well during recovery. Stick with tolerable soft foods until you can follow up with your surgeon.
Chicken noodle soup recipe tips after wisdom teeth removal
Here are some recipe tips for making chicken noodle soup ideal for recovering after wisdom teeth removal:
- Use a slow cooker or simmer on low – gentler cooking won’t overcook tender noodles
- Choose soft egg noodles or break other long noodles into pieces
- Shred or finely chop chicken or use ground chicken for easier chewing
- Add veggies that cook down soft – peas, carrots, celery, spinach
- Avoid raw veggies or other hard ingredients like rice or tough beans
- Use low-sodium broth and reduce or omit added salt
- Skip spicy seasonings in favor of herbs – parsley, thyme, rosemary
- Stir in cream or milk for added protein, calories, and richness
- Finish individual servings with a soft protein like egg or shredded cheese
- If desired, puree a portion to make it perfectly smooth for the earliest days
Focus on creating a chicken noodle soup that is cozy, soothing, hydrating, and easy to eat during wisdom teeth recovery. With soft ingredients and gentle seasoning, it can get you back on your feet without irritating healing surgical sites.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup can be a safe, nutritious food to incorporate into your diet as you recover after wisdom teeth removal. Stick to broth and soft, cooled foods for the first 48 hours post-surgery. Slowly add in warmer ingredients after that as long as you can tolerate them. Customize your homemade soup to be extra soft and mild during this healing period. With a little patience and care, chicken noodle soup can provide comfort along with hydration and nutrition as your mouth recovers.
