Recovering from wisdom teeth surgery is an adjustment. You’ll have to make sure that you get the proper amount of nutrition without compromising the healing process, which means eating soft, unobtrusive foods that don’t require chewing.
Although this means you’re free to eat copious amounts of ice cream, you also need to know what other foods to intake and other recovery tips to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to remember when recovering from wisdom teeth surgery:
Eat Only Soft Foods
While the extraction site needs time to heal fully, you need to make sure it’s left undisturbed as much as possible. That means eating only soft foods until the wound has adequately recovered.
Ice cream is a great way to soothe the extraction area of any pain or inflammation. However, it’s not the most nutritious option, which is why you must also include soups, broths, and pureed seedless fruit in your recovery diet. Healthier alternatives include yogurt, mashed beans or potatoes, and pureed or mashed vegetables. You can even dress these up with soft cheeses to add a little more flavor.
Suppose you prefer colder foods to ease any painful sensations. In that case, you can also opt for a seedless smoothie or frozen mashed bananas. Remember not to use a straw when drinking any beverage, as this can open up the wound and induce bleeding.
Buy What You Need In Advance
Going hungry while recovering from surgery is definitely unpleasant. Hence, it’s essential to stock up on recovery food ahead of time. Getting plenty of bed rest is vital in the first few days, so ensuring that you have steady access to soft foods is crucial to a successful recovery.
If you want to get more organized, you can even draw up a meal plan for your recovery period. Include lots of green smoothies and soups, which will supply you with necessary nutrients, and make sure to buy only seedless fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Certain Food
Although it can be incredibly tempting to snack on your favorite foods, there’s a big chance they’re part of the prohibited list. When you’re recuperating from wisdom teeth surgery, avoid foods with coarse components, like peppercorns and popcorn. Chips are a food to avoid because they can be broken down into small but sharp particles that can penetrate the recovery site. A general rule to keep in mind would be to steer clear any food that involves chewing.
Meanwhile, spicy and acidic foods can irritate the extraction area, so these must be avoided. Acidic foods can also interfere with your comfort during eating, so it’s best to save that soda for another day.
Take Prescribed Medications As Scheduled
Another important reminder is to follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter. They’ll likely prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, or antibiotics following the procedure, which will help prevent infection of the site. These medications are also designed to improve your comfort during the healing process by reducing pain and swelling, which makes taking them on time essential to a smooth recovery.
Even though you may be tempted to discontinue medications a few days after your surgery, finishing the full course will provide you with adequate protection against bacteria. They can also lessen the chances of complications that occur post-surgery, such as a dry socket.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth surgery is a ubiquitous procedure that millions of people experience. Although you won’t be able to enjoy your usual foods for a week or two, these four tips will ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. By sticking to a steady diet of soft foods and liquid, getting plenty of rest, and taking your prescription medications, you’ll be good as new in no time.
Are you looking for wisdom teeth removal in Ann Arbor or Waterford? Look no further than Dental House MI! We are a dental practice in Michigan that offers dentistry of all kinds: preventive, cosmetic, and restorative. We also provide oral surgery and dental implants backed by advanced dental technology. Make an appointment with us today!