You are here looking for the no BS answer to the question: How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat Normally?
The emergence of wisdom teeth is a significant denture milestone between 17 and 22 years old. These third sets of molars erupt in the back of our mouths and are the last teeth to emerge.
Sadly, wisdom teeth eruption comes along with several caveats. This is especially true if there isn’t enough space in the jaws to accommodate these molars and if they erupt askew.
As a result, you might experience overcrowding and other dental complications, prompting wisdom teeth extraction, a surgical procedure to remove wisdom teeth. It’s a standard outpatient procedure that takes a few hours but has a recovery period of two weeks.
During this duration, you have to be wary of your lifestyle, especially foods to consume, and adhere to the aftercare guidelines to ensure a speedy recovery.
Things like eschewing smoking, alcohol, vigorous exercise, and poking the incision site are on the list. In addition, avoiding solid foods is a critical aspect of recovery. It can be pretty stressful if you aren’t prepared.
Therefore, we have designed this detailed guide on the best practices to fasten your recovery, including the right foods after the surgery and the answer to how long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat normally.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat Normally?
Extraction of wisdom teeth can be excruciatingly painful, and it can be made even more so if you have been restricted from eating your favorite foods. Eating is typically only possible until the wound on your gum has healed fully. It is entirely dependent on the method of tooth extraction.
According to specialists, it is best to eat only fluids and soft foods for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction. You must do this for the next 4-5 days. After a week or so, when the wound has healed, you should be able to eat regular meals without too much discomfort.
Within 24 hours to 2 days of your tooth extraction, avoid consuming hot or hard meals such as burgers, hot soup, tea, and so on. Hot meals, such as pizza and burgers, can promote infection in the wound region, while hard meals, such as pizza and burgers, can induce friction in the afflicted area, resulting in a prickling sensation.
Foods such as sweet porridge, cold shakes, ice cream, lentil rice porridge, and so on can provide alleviation to the wound.
The period is not precise, but you must judge when you will eat typical foods for yourself. Do not tease the cut with your tongue or any other item since this might lead to further infection.
The most important step is to keep a check on your wound. Check if you are getting a distinct taste from the affected area or if the wound is being intolerably painful or numb.
These are symptoms of infection or a dry socket in your gum.
Your wound can take more time to recover if you get these symptoms. So do not rush; go to your dentist and follow their instruction carefully. You must take your antibiotics regularly as prescribed to get faster relief.
What To Eat And What Not To Eat?
It is critical to watch what you consume after having your wisdom teeth out. Eating soft or watery foods will not aggravate the extraction site, whereas some foods and beverages might irritate or become caught in extraction sites, resulting in infection. This would help you to understand how long after wisdom teeth removal you can eat normally. Let’s find out.
What To Eat?
Immediately after the tooth removal, avoid chewing anything. Hard foods can irritate and can get stuck in the wounded area, causing infection. Therefore, start with cold fluids followed by soft foods like:
- Yogurt
- Jellies
- Blended soups
- Smoothies
- Mousse
- Porridge
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
Try to keep your diet cold as it would catalyze the healing process. Also, do not forget to eat nutritious stuff in mashed form or by grinding it.
What Not To Eat?
There are a few restrictions which you must follow to continue eating normal food after a week. The hard feet can cause damage to your gum and can slow down the healing process. Strictly avoid foods like:
- Citric Fruit Juices: acids present in them can cause burning on the sensitive portion of your gum.
- Alcohol: It can react with the wound and can cause further damage to it.
- Grains and Seeds: these can remain stuck in the cavity on the gum, causing infection
- Hard Stuff: Chewing can cause pain and discomfort to your gum immediately after removing the wisdom teeth.
Summary
So, if your question is how long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat normally, then let’s tell you fast recovery from wisdom teeth removal is possible if you follow the doctor’s recovery instructions.
Consuming the right food at the right time is very crucial. A little compromise for a week can save you from lifetime pain. We wish you an eternity of happy and healthy teeth!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For Wisdom Teeth Holes To Heal?
Recovery from a minor wisdom tooth surgery can take from 5-7 days. However, the hole would recover slowly with time. But you don’t need to worry, as once the wound dries up, the pain is negligible.
When Can I Stop Worrying About Dry Sockets?
You can stop worrying about dry sockets once your wound is completely healed.
Is It OK To Shower After Wisdom Teeth?
Yes, you can do any normal activity post-surgery. Just make sure not to tease your internal area. Eat soft food as much as possible.
How Long Do Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal Last?
The numbing can last for 2-3 hours, depending on the severity of your procedure. However, it can last five hours for some individuals if the dentist administers a heavy painkiller. Nonetheless, if the numbness persists after six hours, it’s vital to consult your oral health care provider as complications might have arisen after the procedure. Learn more about numbness after wisdom teeth removal: How to Get Rid of Numbness After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
