Ten million wisdom teeth are removed each year. You may be a young adult in need of a simple wisdom teeth extraction, or you may have just learned that you require several wisdom teeth to get removed at once!
Wisdom teeth could cause damage to other teeth, or pain and bite problems. Other common
oral surgeries include root canals, impacted tooth removal, and implants.
You will need to be conscious of your health after your wisdom teeth removal surgery. After you leave the office, you may be given antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. You will need to keep your mouth clean.
You may be wondering what to eat after a tooth extraction. Here are some tried-and-true favorites of patients and dentists alike.
1. Scrambled Eggs
One of the soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal are scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs require very little chewing. Whisk them up in a bowl and add a little milk for extra fluffiness. Fry them in butter or margarine until they are just cooked.
You can add cheese to your scrambled eggs for extra calcium and taste. Favorites include cheddar, swiss, and even cream cheese!
Experts recommend, however, that you stay away from spices after surgery, as they can sting and burn your mouth. A few bullion granules, however, will go a long way.
After
wisdom tooth removal, you are going to need to get back your strength without irritating the tooth extraction area. One way to do this is to chew on the side of your mouth that has not gotten treated. Another is to eat soft, nutrition-packed foods like eggs.
More than half the protein in eggs gets found in egg whites. Eggs are also a great source of selenium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. They are even a good source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Protein is critical for wound-healing after wisdom teeth removal because it helps the body repair damaged tissues. Eggs are considered a "complete" source of protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids.
Eggs are also a good source of iron, which helps your immune system function at its best. Iron also plays a role in getting oxygen to your bones to help them heal.
2. Oatmeal
The second best soft foods to eat after a wisdom teeth removal is oatmeal. Oatmeal is a great way to get some warm, solid nutrition in your belly without chomping down. You should, however, avoid steel-cut oats, as these will require a little more emulsifying before you swallow.
Instant oats, however, are very nutritious. They are a good source of carbs, fiber, and minerals.
Iron, zinc, and magnesium are all present in oats. Vitamin B1 and B5 are also there. Vitamin B1, also
known as thiamine , can help you maintain a positive attitude. It can also increase your energy and help you fight stress.
Vitamin B5 is known as pantothenic acid. It can help with nerve pain, stress, and anxiety. Zinc can regulate immune functioning and help speed up wound healing.
If you don't like to eat your oats plain, try them with a little honey. It is rich in antioxidants and contains some nutrients. You can also stir in some brown sugar.
Other folks like to mash up bananas and put them in oatmeal. They are rich in potassium and fiber.
You can also sweeten up the breakfast favorite with some pureed fruit like strawberries or blueberries. Try putting them in a blender or warming them up on a stove.
If you are in a rush, a little instant oatmeal with boiled water will work just fine. You need, however, to be sure it is not too hot when you eat it.
3. Macaroni and Cottage cheese
The third best soft foods to eat after a tooth extraction is pasta. When pasta gets cooked well, little chewing is necessary. The carbohydrates in pasta can fuel your brain and muscles, which is critical when you aren't eating much else. It will also provide
folic acid , which can help prevent anemia.
Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. Your body needs calcium so your heart and nerves can function properly. It enables your blood to clot and your muscles to contract.
Dietary fats give your body energy and support cell growth. They also protect your organs and keep your body warm.
Not a macaroni and cottage cheese fan? Try some overcooked large noodles divided into smaller pieces. Make sure whatever you combine them with is soft and not too spicy.
4. Smoothies
The fourth best soft foods to eat after tooth extraction is smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to eat fruits and veggies without chomping on them. Dark, leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, contain impressive amounts of Vitamin K and Vitamin A.
Vitamin K is critical for blood clotting and bone metabolism. It also supports cognitive health and heart health. Vitamin A supports a healthy immune system and heart health.
It only takes a few steps to make a healthy smoothie in your blender. Start with a whole banana, add some leafy greens, and liquefy it with water and ice.
You can add other fresh fruit, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. For a little extra protein, throw in some peanut butter or avocado. These can also give you that "full" feeling you may be craving in a meal.
Healthy sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar. But a little sugar never hurt someone recovering from surgery!
Straws are a no-no after you have a tooth extraction. They can dislodge your blood clot and lengthen healing time.
If you are making a smoothie, make sure you add enough liquid to make your creation drinkable without a straw.
5. Applesauce
The fifth foods to eat after tooth extraction is apples. Apples are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. They can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease and hypertension.
Apples also contain Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin K. Vitamin C can help with wound healing and immune system function. Potassium may benefit your bones and blood pressure.
You can purchase pre-made applesauce at the store. You can also make an easy homemade version from apples, sugar, cinnamon, and water. Be sure to puree the whole thing in a blender if you are not yet ready to chew any solids!
6. Soups
Soups are a great source of fluids when you need them. They are also rich in taste and provide a feeling of fullness. Some nutrients in soups are even better absorbed when they get heated.
Some popular soups, such as chicken noodle, may need to go through a strainer before you can eat it.
A popular choice when you are recovering is tomato soup. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin K. They are also a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which can lower your risk of certain types of cancer.
There are nice versions of tomato soup that can get found in a can. You can also make your own quick version with canned tomatoes, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and an immersion blender.
Another popular choice for those who can't chew is pumpkin soup. Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants.
Pumpkin soup can be bought or made from pumpkin puree. Cinnamon and nutmeg give it great flavor!
7. Avocado
Avocado can be served along with scrambled eggs or in soups. Avocados are a great source of Vitamins C, E, K, and B-6. Vitamin B-6 can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Avocados also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 acids can help prevent wound infections and improve early wound healing.
When opening an avocado, use a medium or large cook's knife to cut the avocado in half. Next, twist the two halves to separate the avocado. Use a teaspoon to remove the stone from the center of the avocado.
You can use a dessert spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh. You can season it with salt and pepper if you want to eat the flesh straight.
Some folks also eat avocado in ice cream or on bread.
8. Soft Bread
You will want to avoid eating thick or crusty bread right after your dental surgery. These can become a real choking hazard. Avoid toast, muffins, and bagels for a while.
After a week or so, however, you can begin introducing soft bread back into your diet. Think about Hawaiian bread, white bread, doughnuts, or muffins.
Your calorie intake may not be your main concern right after a
dental procedure . That is fine since your focus should be on recovery. Once you begin your normal eating routine, you can begin to focus again and eating to stay slim.
