After wisdom teeth removal, your usual meals may be difficult to eat while your mouth is sore and healing. Planning a few soft, easy-to-eat foods before surgery can make the first several days more manageable.
This guide covers what you can eat at each stage of recovery, along with foods and drinks to avoid.
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What You Can Eat Right After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After surgery, choose cool liquids and smooth foods that require little or no chewing. It’s best to wait until the freezing wears off before eating so that you do not bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
Good options include:
- Ice cream
- Applesauce
- Smooth yogurt without fruit pieces or seeds
- Pudding
- Gelatin
- Smooth ice cream without nuts, candy, or other mix-ins
- Cool or lukewarm broth
- Blended soup
- Smoothies or protein shakes taken from a cup or with a spoon
Avoid using a straw, even for smoothies and shakes. In our post-operative instructions we advise against straws for seven days because suction can disturb the blood clot and increase the risk of bleeding or dry socket.
Do not eat or drink anything very hot during the first 24 hours. Warm liquids, including coffee, can usually be introduced after the numbness has worn off and bleeding has stopped.
What to Eat During the First Five Days
As soreness begins to improve, you can introduce soft foods that require gentle chewing. Anything you can squish between your fingers is usually a good indication if you can eat it without minimal pain. Cut food into small pieces and chew away from the surgical sites when possible.
Some good options include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Grits or cream of wheat
- Cottage cheese
- Avocado
- Hummus
- Tofu
- Noodles or pasta
- Soft cooked vegetables that have been mashed
- Flaky, boneless fish
- Finely ground meat with gravy or sauce
Include protein-rich foods such as eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, fish, or protein shakes to support your nutritional needs during recovery.
We generally recommend following a soft diet for up to five days. After that, you can slowly reintroduce firmer foods as soreness and jaw stiffness improve. If chewing a food is uncomfortable, return to softer options and try it again later.
For more meal ideas during recovery, download our puréed recipe book, which includes recipes that can be adapted to the early stages of healing.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid While Healing
Some foods can irritate the surgical sites, become lodged in the sockets, or require more chewing than your mouth can comfortably manage.
Avoid:
- Nuts, seeds, and popcorn
- Chips, crackers, and hard pretzels
- Crunchy cereal or granola
- Tough or chewy meats
- Sticky candy and chewing gum
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods that sting the area
- Foods that contain small seeds or sharp pieces
- Very hot foods and drinks during the first day
We also recommend avoiding carbonated and alcoholic drinks for five days. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medication or any other medication that should not be combined with alcohol.
FAQs
How long should I eat soft foods after wisdom teeth removal?
Offshore Oral & Facial Surgery generally recommends a soft diet for up to five days. Your timeline may differ depending on the number and position of the teeth removed and how your mouth feels.
Can I eat ice cream after wisdom teeth removal?
Smooth ice cream can be eaten after surgery if it does not contain nuts, candy, or other hard pieces. It can feel soothing, but include more nutritious foods such as yogurt, eggs, blended soups, or protein shakes throughout your recovery.
Can I drink a smoothie after wisdom teeth removal?
Choose a smooth blend without berry seeds or other small pieces, and drink it from a cup or eat it with a spoon. Do not use a straw for seven days.
When can I eat pizza after wisdom teeth removal?
Pizza is usually too chewy for the first several days. Wait until you can open your mouth and chew comfortably without pain, and avoid hard or crispy crust until the surgical sites have healed further.
Prepare for a More Manageable Recovery
Planning a short menu before wisdom teeth removal means you will have suitable food available when you return home. Dr. Drake and the Offshore Oral & Facial Surgery team will provide detailed instructions based on your procedure, medications, and individual needs. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, we invite you to book a wisdom teeth consultation at one of our convenient locations in San Marcos or Vista, CA.
