Wisdom Teeth Extraction Diet

Wisdom teeth are more appropriately called Third Molar teeth in medical terms and are observed to appear in the adults aging between 17 and 25. There are exceptions when they come out even later. They are usually four in number but may be more or less in case of some individuals.

Since wisdom teeth appear in adulthood and are usually impacted, in most of the cases, there could be complications and infections resulting from their appearance. This is why they need to be extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction is sensitive to dental and oral health and one needs to be extra cautious before and after the extraction.

Besides taking good care like brushing teeth gently or applying mouthwash after wisdom teeth extraction, one should also be careful in choosing wisdom teeth extraction diet. Wisdom teeth extraction could result in infections if proper care is not taken about food and drinks. This would ultimately result in severe pain, swelling and profuse bleeding and ultimately prolong the standard recovery time.

Before wisdom teeth extraction, it is generally advisable to refrain from alcoholic drinks and tobacco. A surgery involving wisdom tooth extraction would probably suggest 'nothing-by-mouth' for about 8-12 hours preceding it. Warm food and salt-water is fine before the extraction. One should not take bony foods before the extraction.

What is more important regarding wisdom teeth extraction diet is what you take following the extraction. Since the recovery depends on faster clotting of blood, you must avoid hot drinks and food. You must also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol or beers for two to three days depending on the state of the tooth socket.

Cold foods and drinks are good for early recovery following a wisdom teeth extraction. Cold drinks like milkshakes, water, thin soup, plain soda (without additives) etc. are good for recovery. In initial days consider taking soft and cold food like ice cream, mashed potatoes, pudding, applesauce, gelatin, yogurt and congee. Any hardened frozen foods must be avoided. A balance in all these wisdom teeth extraction foods would supply enough nutrients while ensuring early recovery from post-extraction problems.