Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

October 2, 2025

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days. Following all post-surgery instructions is important for a smooth recovery, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours. Knowing what to eat can help you heal properly and stay comfortable. Here is a helpful guide to the best foods to eat after a wisdom tooth removal in Fort Collins, CO, along with other tips to ensure a safe and swift recovery process.

You may not feel like eating right after the procedure, particularly if your wisdom teeth were impacted. Your mouth, jaw, and cheeks will likely be tender and swollen, and you will have gauze in place. However, eating is necessary to fuel a healthy recovery.

Your Diet in the First 24 Hours

In the first 24 hours after your surgery, you should only consume soft foods or liquids. This helps protect the surgical sites and prevents irritation. Good options include applesauce, yogurt, warm broths, creamy soups, hummus, Jell-O, pudding, and juice. It is best to avoid citrus juices, as their acidity can cause discomfort. Also, ensure any hot foods or beverages have cooled to a warm temperature before you consume them. You must avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clots that are essential for healing. If you decide to have a smoothie, use a spoon instead. During this initial 24-hour period, do not drink alcohol, smoke, or vape.

Reintroducing More Foods After Two Days

As you continue to recover, you can begin reintroducing soft, solid foods. This typically occurs within the first 24 hours. You should still avoid very hot, acidic, or spicy foods. Choose items that require little to no chewing. Some good choices are soft noodles, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed bananas, mashed avocados, and mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Steamed and mashed vegetables like cauliflower or squash are also good options. This gradual reintroduction of foods allows your mouth to heal without added stress from chewing tough items.

Foods to Avoid After Your Procedure

For the first few days following your oral surgery, certain foods and drinks should be avoided. These items can irritate the sockets, tear stitches, or become lodged in the healing areas. Steer clear of carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy foods, acidic foods, and hot beverages like coffee or tea. You should also avoid hard or crunchy foods such as nuts, seeds, pretzels, chips, and crusty bread. Grains like rice and quinoa, chewy candy, and popcorn can also cause problems by getting stuck in the sockets. By the third day post-surgery, you can start adding other solid foods back into your diet. If your mouth is still tender, continue with soft foods until you feel comfortable eating normally again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Extractions

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction fails to develop, or it dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed. This leaves the underlying bone and nerves exposed to air, food, and fluids, which can cause pain and delay healing. Following post-operative care instructions, like avoiding straws and not smoking, can significantly reduce your risk of developing a dry socket.

How long does the swelling last after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically peaks around the second or third day after surgery. After that, it should gradually start to subside. You can help manage swelling by applying an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, during the first 24 hours. Most swelling should be gone within a week to ten days.

At Fort Collins Dental Center, we are dedicated to providing excellent patient care in a warm and friendly atmosphere for you and your family. We serve the communities of Fort Collins, Timnath, Arrowhead, Laporte, and Loveland with comprehensive dental services. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to our team.

Recent Posts

Contact Us

Fort Collins Dental Center
Address
2000 Vermont Drive #200
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone
Tel: 970-482-1477 | Fax: 970-416-1901
E-Mail
Hours
Monday | 8am - 5pm
Tuesday | 8am - 5pm
Wednesday | 8am - 5pm
Thursday | 8am - 5pm
Friday | Closed
Saturday | Closed
Sunday | Closed

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Fort Collins Dental Center

2000 Vermont Drive #200 Fort Collins, CO 80525
Appointment Request
First Name
Last Name
Sending