Although wisdom teeth were once heralded as an extra set of molars you might need during adulthood, by today’s standards, they are considered vestigial structures that can cause more problems over time. In addition to becoming impacted or infected, wisdom teeth can also throw off the natural alignment of your smile, which is why many dentists recommend having them extracted. While the surgery itself shouldn’t hurt, recovery can take several days. Here are a few meals you should consider for after oral surgery, so you can allow your mouth to continue to heal.

3 Meal Ideas Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Oatmeal

Naturally high in fiber and protein to keep you full, oatmeal is a versatile meal option that can be cooked incredibly soft, making it easy to eat after oral surgery. Oatmeal can also be sweetened with honey, yogurt, or soft berries, creating a tasty meal option that can be enjoyed during any time of the day.

2. Soup 

For a more savory take on post-surgery eating, consider enjoying a nice bowl of soup. While pureed soups are typically best after surgery, you can eat any kind that has been simmered until the vegetables and meats are incredibly soft. However, you should avoid adding crunchy additions like oyster crackers to your soup since they could become lodged in sutured areas, potentially causing pain, lacerations, and infections. 

3. Smoothies

Smoothies can be made with fruits, vegetables, juices, and even additional nutritional supplements, making it easy to customize a sweet, frosty meal you can drink quickly. However, dentists warn that when drinking meals like smoothies after surgery, you should never use straws because the sucking motion could dislodge protective blood clots. 

If you still have your wisdom teeth and are wondering about removal, turn to the dentists at Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI. With a deeply rooted commitment to excellence in dentistry and putting patients first, these specialists can help with everything from sealants and root canals to veneers and complex extractions. Learn more about their practice by visiting their website, or call (608) 783-3341 to speak with a dentist today.