After wisdom teeth removal, your diet plays a crucial role in both comfort and healing. Choosing to eat soft foods helps reduce pain, prevent complications, and support your body’s natural recovery process.
While your options may feel limited in the days following surgery, there are plenty of nutritious, soft foods that can keep you satisfied without disrupting the healing sites. Most importantly, what you eat affects not just your comfort but also how quickly and successfully your mouth heals.
My patients often ask me what foods they should eat after surgery. Here’s the list I usually give them.
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an ideal food choice after having wisdom teeth removed, offering multiple benefits for healing. Its smooth, creamy texture requires minimal chewing while delivering essential nutrients your body needs for recovery.
The high protein content in Greek yogurt supports tissue repair and wound healing. With 17-20 grams of protein per cup, it provides the building blocks needed for proper recovery. Its probiotics help maintain oral health and boost your immune system during the healing process, while its cold temperature can help reduce swelling and provide comfort to tender gums.
When selecting Greek yogurt, opt for plain, unflavored varieties to avoid irritating sugar content. Full-fat options provide better nutrient absorption and satisfaction. Avoid varieties with fruit chunks or granola mix-ins that could disturb the surgical sites.
For safe consumption after surgery, allow refrigerated yogurt to warm slightly before eating. Use a small spoon and place the yogurt toward the back of your mouth, avoiding vigorous swishing or spitting. Start with small amounts to test your temperature sensitivity. You can mix in pureed fruit for added nutrients and flavor once you’re comfortable.
One important caution: if you’re taking antibiotics, wait at least two to three hours after your medication before consuming Greek yogurt, as dairy can interfere with antibiotic absorption.
2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes deliver essential vitamins A and C to support immune function and wound healing. Their soft, creamy texture makes them perfect for sensitive post-surgery mouths, while their natural sweetness offers comfort during recovery. The high potassium content helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
To prepare, peel and cut sweet potatoes into small chunks. Boil until very tender, then mash thoroughly with a potato masher or food processor until completely smooth. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil for easier swallowing. Season lightly with salt, avoiding spices that could irritate surgical sites.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, never hot. Test the temperature on your inner wrist before eating. Store portions in small containers and reheat gently when needed. If reheating in a microwave, stir well to eliminate hot spots that could disrupt healing tissue.
If you don’t like sweet potatoes, regular mashed potatoes are good as well.
3. Bone Broth
Bone broth contains collagen and amino acids that support gum and tissue healing after wisdom teeth extraction. The gelatin helps form new connective tissue, while glycine and glutamine aid immune function and reduce inflammation in the surgical sites.
This nutrient-rich liquid delivers essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc that strengthen bones and support healing. The easily absorbed minerals help maintain electrolyte balance during recovery when eating solid foods is challenging.
When you’re about to consume it, make sure the broth is lukewarm rather than hot. Sip slowly from a cup or spoon, avoiding straws that could dislodge blood clots. Choose homemade or high-quality store-bought broths without added spices or seasonings. Spicy food can irritate the area. Let hot broth cool until it’s just warm enough to be comforting without risking irritation to sensitive tissue.
4. Blended Smoothies
Smoothies provide essential nutrients when eating solid food is difficult. Mix bananas, mangoes, peaches, or pears with Greek yogurt or milk for protein. Add spinach or avocado for nutrients without affecting texture. Choose fully ripe fruits and blend until completely smooth.
Avoid berries with seeds, citrus fruits, and stringy fruits like pineapple that could irritate surgical sites. Skip ingredients like honey or granola until healing progresses. Don’t use straws, as suction can dislodge blood clots and delay healing.
Make smoothies thin enough to drink easily but thick enough to be satisfying. The consistency should be similar to a milkshake – easily swallowed without chunks or ice crystals. Let frozen ingredients thaw slightly before blending, and serve at cool room temperature to prevent sensitivity.
5. Well-Cooked Oatmeal
Oatmeal’s soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar and provides steady energy during recovery. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it easily digestible, while the fiber aids digestion without irritating surgical sites.
Cook steel-cut or old-fashioned oats until very soft, using extra liquid for a smoother consistency. Add milk or protein powder for nutrients. Avoid mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or granola that could get stuck in extraction sites.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for comfort. The consistency should be similar to pudding—smooth enough to swallow with minimal chewing. If it is too thick, thin it with milk or water. Place small spoonfuls toward the back of your mouth while eating.
6. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs provide 6 grams of protein per egg, supporting tissue repair and reducing healing time after your oral surgery. Their amino acids help rebuild damaged tissue and strengthen your immune system during recovery.
Prepare eggs until very soft and creamy, avoiding any browned or crispy edges. Beat eggs thoroughly with a splash of milk before cooking over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat while slightly wet, as they’ll continue cooking.
Season lightly with salt and soft herbs like chives. Skip black pepper, hot sauce, or chunky seasonings that could irritate surgical sites. Serve at warm room temperature rather than hot for maximum comfort.
7. Mashed Avocado
Avocados contain healthy fats that reduce inflammation and support healing after wisdom teeth surgery. Their omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E promote tissue repair, while their creamy texture requires no chewing.
Mash ripe avocados until completely smooth, removing any stringy parts. Mix with a small amount of salt and lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep portions small and fresh, making only what you’ll eat immediately.
Serve at room temperature. The texture should be completely smooth without chunks. Spread on soft bread once cleared by your surgeon, or eat plain with a spoon, taking small bites to avoid stretching your jaw.
Related Article: Your Complete Wisdom Teeth Food Timeline
Nourishing Your Recovery
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal requires mindful food choices that promote wound healing without causing discomfort. You should avoid acidic foods, crunchy and crumbly foods, and scorching hot foods. These seven soft and semi-soft foods provide essential nutrients while being gentle on your surgical sites. Remember to start with small portions, avoid extreme temperatures, and follow your oral surgeon’s specific guidelines for returning to solid and hot foods.
