What to Eat and Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Feeling sore after wisdom tooth extraction is common. Choosing soft foods like soups, yogurt, and ice cream can make recovery more comfortable and lower the risk of infection or other complications.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, emerge in the far corners of the mouth. Each year, around 5 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States.

Healing time can range from about 3 days up to 2 weeks. During this period, prioritize soft foods that supply vitamins, minerals, and calories.

Doing so can help to:

• avoid disturbing natural blood clots
• stop food particles from lodging in the extraction sites
• reduce the chance of infection or problems like dry socket
• minimize swelling
• provide necessary nourishment
• support faster recovery

Below are 15 soft foods suitable after wisdom tooth removal, along with items to steer clear of.

15 foods to eat

1. Pureed soups

Pureed soups — such as tomato or pumpkin — are excellent choices in the first 4–5 days following extraction. They’re simple to swallow, don’t require chewing, and lack bits that could irritate the surgical areas.

Pureed soups also often contain nutrient-dense vegetables and legumes, supplying important micronutrients. Additionally, soup helps with hydration, which is crucial after an operation.

Serve soups lukewarm or cold, since very hot liquids can aggravate the wound. Blend vegetable soups thoroughly until fully smooth to prevent chunks.

2. Broth

Broth, like pureed soup, is nourishing and hydrating during the immediate recovery phase.

Bone broth is prepared by simmering bones and connective tissues from sources such as:

• turkey
• chicken
• lamb
• pork
• beef
• fish

It contains minerals and nutrients and is often promoted for its health benefits. Bone broth also provides amino acids that may offer anti-inflammatory effects.

Like soups, enjoy broth lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating the extraction site.

3. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is smooth, creamy, and soothing, and can be gentle on your mouth after dental surgery. It’s high in protein and contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium and zinc.

Protein-rich foods can support wound repair.

Adequate zinc intake may also help healing, although extra zinc provides limited benefit if your diet already meets needs.

4. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are comforting and easily eaten after wisdom tooth removal when prepared very smooth.

They supply calories and nutrients, which is helpful since energy needs can rise following surgery.

Ensure mashed potatoes are lump-free; add milk, butter, or water to loosen them if needed.

Eat them lukewarm rather than hot to avoid irritating your wound.

5. Scrambled eggs

Scrambled eggs are a soft, slightly textured food suitable once you’re able to chew gently with unaffected teeth.

They’re a high-quality protein source and contain vitamins and minerals like:

• vitamins A and B12
• zinc
• iron
• selenium

These nutrients contribute to a robust immune response and support tissue repair.

6. Applesauce

Whole apples are crunchy and not suitable right after extraction, but applesauce provides a fruit option within 24 hours of surgery. It contains vitamins B, C, and E, plus copper.

Applesauce is usually made from peeled and cored apples, which reduces fiber and some nutrients found in the skin.

Still, peeled apples offer vitamin C, which can:

• reduce inflammation and discomfort
• support the immune system
• promote fibroblast migration and assist wound closure in vitro

7. Mashed bananas

Bananas are soft and easy to mash, making them a simple, portable option once you begin gentle chewing.

They’re highly nutritious, offering potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folate.

Mashing bananas further softens them and reduces any risk of irritation.

8. Banana “nice” cream

The coolness of frozen banana-based ice cream can soothe the extraction area. Traditional ice cream is often high in sugar and fat, so banana-based versions are a healthier homemade substitute.

How to make banana ice cream

Ingredients

• 3–4 bananas, peeled
• a splash of your preferred milk (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)

Instructions

1. Freeze the bananas for 3–4 hours or overnight.
2. Slice the frozen bananas.
3. Put the slices in a blender and add a splash of milk.
4. Blend until thick and smooth.
5. Enjoy.

9. Avocado

While most fruits are carbohydrate-heavy, avocados are low in carbs and rich in healthy fats. They’re a good source of vitamins K and C and potassium, and their creamy texture makes them ideal during recovery.

Try mashed avocado or guacamole rather than intact chunks.

10. Smoothies

Smoothies are an easy method to increase calories and nutrients when solid food is difficult. They’re customizable and versatile.

Adding Greek yogurt or protein powder can up protein content, while fruit and veggies boost fiber and micronutrients.

Avoid seedy fruits like strawberries and blackberries shortly after surgery, since seeds can lodge in the extraction site and increase the risk of infection.

Also remember to avoid using straws while healing — suction can dislodge clots and cause dry socket, a painful complication. For more tips on positioning and rest after surgery, see how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal.

11. Hummus

Hummus, a Middle Eastern dip, is now enjoyed worldwide and is an excellent option after surgery.

It provides healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a nutritious, soft food choice. You can make hummus by blending:

• chickpeas
• tahini
• olive oil
• garlic
• lemon

Store-bought hummus works fine too. Avoid dipping crunchy chips or pita into it while healing, but hummus alone is tasty and safe to eat.

12. Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is soft, creamy, low in calories, and rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s an easy-to-eat option as you transition back to chewing.

Add it to scrambled eggs or smoothies or enjoy it plain.

13. Instant oatmeal

Oats are very nutritious, filling, and a source of fiber and nutrients. Because they can be slightly chewy, wait at least 3 days before trying oats after extraction. Instant oats are preferable to steel-cut or rolled oats since they’re softer.

Let the oatmeal cool before eating to avoid irritating the wound.

14. Mashed pumpkin

Cooked and mashed pumpkin has a soft, smooth texture that’s easy to eat and unlikely to irritate extraction sites.

While often treated like a vegetable, pumpkin is technically a fruit and is high in vitamins A, C, and E and potassium.

Ensure it’s thoroughly mashed and cooled before consuming.

15. Salmon

Salmon is an excellent, nutritious fish and a good option once you’re ready to start chewing again.

It’s a concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and support healing, particularly if your omega-3 intake is low.

For broader recovery guidance, including timelines and expectations, see our overview on wisdom teeth recovery.

Foods to avoid

Certain foods can irritate extraction wounds or dislodge healing clots, so avoid the following while recovering:

• Spicy foods — may cause burning or irritation.
• Crunchy and crumbly items (chips, crackers, cookies) — can lodge in wounds and increase infection risk.
• Many grains, seeds, and nuts — may get stuck in the extraction site and interfere with healing.
• Chewy foods — increase the chance of biting soft tissues while numb.
• Alcohol — can irritate wounds and interact with medications, so avoid it during recovery.

If you notice severe pain after a few days, especially a deep, throbbing pain that radiates from the socket, you may have dry socket. In many cases, gentle treatments and home remedies for dry socket can offer relief, but consult your dentist or surgeon for persistent or worsening symptoms.

Takeaway

After wisdom tooth extraction, opt for nourishing, soft-textured foods to support healing, limit discomfort, and keep you satisfied. Stocking up on the foods listed above before your procedure can make those first few days easier and ensure you remain well-nourished during recovery.