Wisdom teeth are a set of molars, usually the third that emerges from the back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth not because they make one more wise but because they appear between the ages of 17 to 25, therefore what to eat after wisdom teeth removal become important. Some of them are: broth, blended soups, scrambled eggs, smoothies, Greek yogurt, Applesauce etc.
Some people do not develop wisdom teeth while others will have wisdom teeth that gives them no problem. Whether the wisdom teeth give you problems or not, it is advised that you remove them.
WHY WISDOM TEETH SHOULD BE REMOVED?
- The space in the mouth cannot be enough for wisdom teeth and others. If they are allowed to be in the mouth, they can over-crowd or even shift other teeth causing crooked or misalignment.
- Most wisdom teeth are not properly aligned, they can come in different angles. Some can be pressed against other teeth or grow toward the back of the mouth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth is another reason for removal. When a tooth is impacted, they are trapped in the jaws or gums and they cannot come out normally. They can be so painful.
- People with tooth infection or cavities usually have their wisdom teeth removed because they may prevent the teeth from being brushed and flossed properly.
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL PROCEDURE
To have wisdom teeth removed, you have to schedule an appointment with your dentist, the surgery can last for 45 minutes. In order not to feel pain, a local anaesthesia such as novocaine, lidocaine or mepivicaine is applied to numb the pain.
The shot will wear off some minutes after the surgery. The surgeon can give you drugs through a vein in your arm, this will make you sleep off during the process. Incision is made on the gum tissue to show the wisdom teeth and the bone that blocks the tooth root is removed. The tooth is divided into parts to make it easier for removal, the divided tooth is removed in parts.
After removal, the site is cleaned to remove tooth or bone debris, the wound is stitched to improve the healing process and a gauze is placed on the extraction site to control bleeding.
The most important part of the procedure is the after surgery. Most people may drive home, take a walk or do your normal activities if local anaesthesia is given.
General anaesthesia may cause you to still feel sleepy, so you will need someone to help you during this time. The procedure may be so painful or less painful and you may have swelling and mild discomfort for 3 or days. Some of the aftercare instructions may require that you apply ice pack or heat pads to stop the swelling, you can also use pain relief medicines prescribed by your doctor.
WHAT TO EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
One of the most important thing after having your wisdom teeth removed to knowing what to eat, your nutrition will provide you with nourishment, help your recovery process and reduce your risk of having complications. The food you eat can also help you not to feel pain or swelling. It is important you eat foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and energy. But, does everyone have wisdom teeth? .Here are some foods you can eat after having your wisdom teeth removed.
(1) Broth
Broth is a liquid food made with water, fish, meat, and vegetables simmered for a short period of time. Broth is delicious and can provide nourishment especially after a dental surgery. The meat usually connective tissues and cooked to be soft, they have lots of vitamins and minerals. For people who are struggling to drink water in order to stay hydrated, broth is recommended.
In fact, a study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2003 suggested that the components of bone broth can have anti-inflammatory properties although there is no direct studies on the health effects of bone broth. To avoid irritating your wound, you should take the broth when it is lukewarm or cold. That is why this topic “What to eat after wisdom teeth removal ” is very important.
(2) Blended Soups
Blended soups are filled with minerals and vitamins that are needed by your body as you cannot eat fruits and vegetables after your surgery. Blended soups can be made with pumpkin or tomatoes that will not irritate the wound area especially since they are easy to consume. To eat blended soups, blend the vegetables very smooth to avoid having chunks that can cause irritation. Also, make sure the soup is cold or lukewarm so that you do not burn your wound.
(3) Scrambled eggs
National Library of Medicine in 2008 showed that omega-3 fats can help to heal wound. So, it is important that you use pasteurized or omega-3-enriched eggs to make scrambled eggs.
Eggs can give you plenty proteins, vitamins and minerals, they are also good for people who have their wisdom teeth removed. Scrambled eggs are easier to chew and swallow than boiled and fried eggs.
(4) Smoothies
When you cannot eat solid foods, smoothies are great to provide you with nutrients because they are delicious, easy to consume and versatile. You can add lots of ingredients to suit your taste and choice, this means that you do not have to stick to one smoothie taste, you can adjust the ingredients.
To recover faster, it is important that you always add Greek yogurt or any protein to increase your protein intake. Studies by the National Library of Medicine in 2001 and 2009 showed that your recovery process can be slower if you lack protein.
You should also include fruits and vegetables to boost your vitamins and minerals intake. You should avoid fruits with seeds as they may not be fully blended.
(5) Greek yogurt
Greek yogurts are so nutritious because they are high in protein, they are also creamy and smooth which makes it easier to be eaten. They can also soothe your wound and numb them.
Food Data Central, an arm of U.S Department of Agriculture in 2019 published a study that showed that nutritious Greek yogurt is contains low fat, vitamins, protein, minerals like calcium and zinc.
National Library of Medicine published studies in 2007 and in 2017 showed that taking enough zinc can help your wound to heal faster. Other foods may contain zinc including meats but they are difficult to eat especially after any dental surgery.
(6) Applesauce
Apples are hard and crunchy to eat, also they may irritate the gums. One way to eat apples is to make it into an applesauce, applesauce is made by using puréed apples. This can reduce their nutrients as the skin has its own benefits and nutrients like fiber, minerals and vitamins.
However, applesauce can provide you with vitamins which can help with your immune system (FoodData central, 2019 and National Library of Medicine, 2013).
(7) Salmon
Salmon is way to chew and soft too, it is also healthy as it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which reduces inflammation and help your wound to heal faster. Inflammation is needed for the wound to heal but in small amount as excess can stop your recovery process if it lasts for a long time.
(8) Instant oatmeal
Oatmeals have lots of fiberlots, vitamins and minerals. They are also filling too. However, you should take oatmeal at least 3 days after your surgery because they have a sticky texture and are slightly chewy.
Choose instant oatmeal instead of steel cut oats because instant oatmeal are less chewy. Make sure your oatmeal is cold to avoid irritation.
(9) Mashed potatoes
Potatoes can be cooked in many ways but after surgery, you should go for mashed potatoes. After surgery, you need energy in high amounts so mashed potatoes are your best option because they are rich in nutrients and calories. Just by eating few bites of mashed potatoes, you can get lots of energy and other nutrients. Be sure your mashed potatoes are cold or lukewarm to avoid irritation.
(10) Mashed bananas
Bananas are delicious and packed with vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B6, folate, potassium and magnesium. Bananas are good options as they are easy to chew and swallowed. To soften their texture and reduce the risk of discomfort, it is better you mash the bananas.
Apart from eating the bananas, you can add them to your smoothies or make them into ice cream. Instead of eating regular ice cream, you can opt for banana ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream may have a soothing effect on the wound.
(11) Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is creamy and soft which makes it easier to be chewed and swallowed. You can add it to your smoothies or scrambled eggs. Cottage cheese can help with your recovery process as it has enough proteins.
(12) Avocado
Avocados are soft, creamy and packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. They are low in carb but has high healthy fats. You can also add them to your smoothies too.
A study in 2008 showed that avocado can speed up recovery process in animals like rats but these research does not include humans although the findings are promising.
CONCLUSION
On researching on “What to eat after wisdom teeth removal “, one of the things to do after your surgery is to eat healthy and nutritious foods that will not irritate your gums or slow down your recovery process. Fill your diet with foods like soups, instant oatmeal, fruits like avocado, bananas and lots of smoothies. Avoid foods like alcohol, seeds, spicy foods, chewy foods, grains and seeds.