Request Request an Appointment Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Leave a Google Review Reviews Leave a Yelp Review Videos Watch Us On Youtube
Meriden Dental Group logo

Your Guide to Eating After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

June 18, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — mdg_team @ 1:39 pm
Two small jars of yogurt sitting on table

Wisdom tooth extractions may be necessary for your oral health, but they can be an intense procedure. It might take a week or two for your mouth to feel normal afterward. During your recovery period, it is important that you make wise food choices that will support your body’s healing process and minimize the risk of post-op complications. What foods should you eat, and which ones should you avoid? This guide provides some helpful information.

What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

In the days after your procedure, you should eat foods that require little or no chewing. This type of diet minimizes the risk of disturbing the surgical site, reduces pain, and helps prevent complications such as dry socket or infections. Soft, easy-to-swallow foods provide the nutrients your body needs without putting strain on your sore oral tissues.

Here are some acceptable foods to include in a no-chew diet:

  • Broths and clear soups
  • Yogurt without fruit chunks
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Applesauce
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Jell-O or gelatin-based snacks
  • Protein shakes or smoothies (without seeds or chunks)
  • Oatmeal or cream of wheat
  • Pudding
  • Ice cream without hard add-ins like nuts or candy
  • Soft, boneless cuts of fish

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Avoiding certain foods is just as important as choosing the right ones. Some foods can irritate the surgical site, cause pain, or even lead to complications.

Here are some foods you should avoid:

  • Crunchy or hard foods like chips, nuts, and raw vegetables
  • Sticky foods such as caramel and gum
  • Spicy foods that may irritate your wounds
  • Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which can cause discomfort
  • Extremely hot beverages or soups that may dislodge blood clots or cause irritation
  • Caffeinated beverages, like coffee and energy drinks, which might increase bleeding
  • Grains or seeds that could become trapped in your empty tooth sockets

As a general rule of thumb, avoid any foods that cause irritation or discomfort, even if that means temporarily abstaining from your favorite treats.

When to Resume Normal Eating Habits

Every individual heals at a different pace, so it is important to listen to your body and follow your dentist’s advice throughout your recovery period. Most people begin transitioning back to regular eating habits within one to two weeks, but this timeline can vary.

Start by adding soft, chewable foods such as pasta or well-cooked vegetables. Be cautious, and only incorporate harder foods when you feel no pain or discomfort. Pay attention to how your mouth reacts to each new texture, and avoid rushing the process.

Wisdom tooth extractions will require that you temporarily modify your diet. Soon, though, you should be back to enjoying a wide variety of tasty and nutritious foods.

Meet the Practice

At Meriden Dental Group, our highly skilled team performs wisdom tooth extractions and other procedures in a comfortable, modern environment. We prioritize patient health, safety, and comfort, and we are always happy to answer questions regarding the post-op period. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 203-404-6800.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.