Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure that many people undergo in their late teens or early 20s. While the surgery is relatively quick, recovery times vary. One of the biggest questions people have after wisdom tooth extraction is when they can start eating normally again, especially hot foods.
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat hot foods?
Most dentists and oral surgeons recommend waiting at least 24 hours before eating any hot foods after getting your wisdom teeth extracted. Some may even advise waiting 48-72 hours, depending on the specifics of your surgery and recovery.
Eating hot foods too soon after oral surgery can disrupt the blood clot that forms in the extraction sites. This blood clot is vital for proper healing and prevention of dry socket, which is a painful dental complication.
Introducing hot foods back into your diet too early can also potentially damage the surrounding gum tissue which needs time to mend after being cut and sutured during wisdom tooth removal.
Why should I avoid hot foods initially?
There are a few key reasons your dentist will tell you to stick to lukewarm or cold foods for the first day or two after having your wisdom teeth taken out:
- Prevent dislodging the blood clot – Hot foods can cause the blood clot to become dislodged from the extraction site, leaving an open wound vulnerable to food particles and bacteria.
- Reduce inflammation – Spicy or hot foods can irritate the tender gum tissue and surgical site, causing more swelling and inflammation.
- Prevent dry socket – Exposure of the extraction site after losing the blood clot often leads to a painful condition called dry socket.
- Allow gum tissue to heal – The heat from hot foods could damage the sutures and granulation tissue trying to reattach and mend.
Your oral surgeon will be able to look inside the extraction sites and let you know when it’s healed enough for hot foods to be introduced again.
What lukewarm foods can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
While hot foods are off the table, you can still enjoy a variety of lukewarm foods and drinks as you recover from wisdom tooth extraction. Here are some good options:
- Warm soups – Chicken noodle, tomato, broth-based soups.
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Eggs
- Pancakes
- Custards or puddings
- Milkshakes or smoothies
- Jello
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Lukewarm drinks – Coffee, tea, hot chocolate.
Avoid any spicy, heavily seasoned, or acidic foods that could irritate the surgical site. Soft, lukewarm foods are gentler as your mouth heals.
What should I eat for the first 24 hours?
For the first 24 hours, stick to cool, room temperature or lukewarm soft foods. Options may include:
- Ice cream or popsicles
- Pudding
- Jello
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Milkshakes or smoothies
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Custard
- Blended soups
Avoid chewing as it could dislodge the blood clot. Stick to liquid nutrition and soft, easy-to-swallow foods. Your dentist may also recommend you stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours.
Can I drink coffee after getting my wisdom teeth out?
You may be able to drink lukewarm coffee after getting your wisdom teeth removed. Most dentists recommend waiting at least 24 hours post-surgery before trying coffee or other hot beverages.
Drink coffee at room temperature or warm it to a lukewarm state during the initial healing period. Sipping slowly with a straw can also help avoid excessive suction and irritation to the surgical site.
When is it safe to eat hot foods again?
Here are general guidelines on when it is safe to add hot foods back into your diet after wisdom tooth removal surgery:
- 1-2 days after surgery: Lukewarm, soft foods
- 3 days after: Warm foods and soups
- 5 days after: Hot liquids like coffee, tea, etc.
- 7 days after: Mildly spicy or acidic foods
- 10-14 days after: Crunchy foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, etc.
However, your unique healing timeline may vary. Check with your oral surgeon before trying hot or spicy foods again. They will examine your extraction sites and let you know when you can handle more heat.
Tips for slowly introducing hot foods
Once your dentist gives you the all-clear, you can start adding hot foods back into your diet. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
- Start with warm soups and slowly increase the temperature each day.
- Watch portion sizes – take small bites and chew gently.
- Avoid chips, nuts, seeds, or other hard foods that could get lodged in the surgical sites.
- Use caution with utensils and chewing on the side of the mouth that had extractions.
- Rinse your mouth gently after meals.
- Take pain medication before trying spicier foods to reduce irritation.
- Stop eating hot foods if you feel pain or discomfort.
Warning signs to avoid certain foods
Pay attention to these warning signs that may indicate you need to further restrict your diet and avoid certain foods that are interfering with healing:
- Sensitivity or shooting pain when eating hot or spicy foods.
- Bleeding from the extraction sites.
- Bad breath or foul taste in your mouth.
- Visible food debris lodged in the extraction sites.
- Increased gum swelling around the surgery sites.
- Fever or chills after eating hot foods.
Notify your oral surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms. You may need to stick to lukewarm soft foods for longer before trying hot foods again.
Can certain foods dislodge the blood clot?
Yes, certain foods can potentially dislodge or dissolve the protective blood clot after wisdom tooth removal. Foods to avoid include:
- Crunchy foods – chips, nuts, popcorn, seeds, granola, toast, etc.
- Spicy foods – chili, tacos, curries, pepper.
- Acidic foods – citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar.
- Carbonated beverages – soda, beer, sparkling water.
- Very hot drinks – coffee, tea.
- Hard foods – candies, cookies.
- Sticky foods – chewy caramels, dried fruit.
- Small seeds or food particles – sesame seeds, rice, crumbs.
Avoid chewing directly on the side of the extraction for at least a few days. Carefully rinse your mouth after meals to remove debris. Limiting these foods can help preserve the blood clot.
What if I lose my blood clot?
It’s possible for the blood clot to become dislodged from the socket after wisdom tooth extraction, often due to eating certain foods too soon. Symptoms of losing the blood clot include:
- Sudden or intense pain at the extraction site
- Bad taste or odor coming from the socket
- Visible hole or empty socket without any blood clot
- Food debris impacted in the extraction site
If you notice these signs, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water and contact your dental provider. You may develop dry socket – a condition marked by severe pain and delayed healing. Your dentist can clean and medicate the socket to promote healing.
When can I resume a normal diet?
It typically takes 7-10 days for the extraction sites to heal enough for you to return to a normal diet after wisdom teeth removal. However, your exact timeline varies based on:
- How many teeth were extracted
- Level of difficulty of the extractions
- Whether your wisdom teeth were impacted
- If you had any complications like dry socket
- How well you follow aftercare instructions
Gradually work your way back up to a regular diet as your mouth heals. Avoid very hot or spicy foods for at least 2 weeks post-surgery. Your oral surgeon will assess your healing and provide guidance on when you can resume your usual eating habits.
Conclusion
After wisdom tooth extraction, allow at least 24-48 hours before introducing any hot foods or liquids. Lukewarm, soft foods are ideal for the first few days. Hot foods can damage the healing blood clot, gums and other tissues. Work your way up slowly to hot soups, drinks and spicy foods over a period of 7-14 days. Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that could dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Be gentle as your mouth recovers and follow your surgeon’s advice about transitioning back to a normal diet after surgery.
