Foods After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are molars located in the very back and on the top and bottom of your mouth. Some people never require the removal of wisdom teeth, while others need one or all four extracted. Molar extraction leaves large holes in the gum area that require stitches to keep the area from bleeding. Special care is required immediately after wisdom tooth extraction to keep the area from becoming infected or prevent breaking the stitches loose.

Beverages

• After wisdom teeth extraction, you can drink beverages such as water, colas, coffee and juices. Avoid extremely hot or alcoholic beverages that could irritate sensitive gum areas around the extraction. To consume a milkshake, drink it or use a spoon. Avoid using a straw with your drinks, because the sucking action can cause the extraction area to bleed again.

Soft Foods

• Soups, applesauce, cottage cheese, pudding and pasta are soft enough to consume after the removal of wisdom teeth. The soup should be lukewarm, and use caution with silverware to avoid poking the sensitive gum area and disrupting stitches. Avoid spicy foods that could irritate the location of the extraction.

Two Days After Extraction

• After two days, you can progress to harder or chewy foods, such as meat, bread, vegetables and fruit. Eat small mouthfuls until you are sure that the foods do not affect the sensitive gum area. To loosen sore jaw muscles gradually, chew slowly. After three or four days, you may introduce harder foods, such as pretzels or nuts.