Wisdom tooth removal is a surgical procedure that removes one or more of your wisdom teeth. It involves cutting through the gum tissue and bone to access the tooth and removing it.

The wisdom teeth or third molars are the last teeth most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Most have four wisdom teeth — one in each corner of their mouth — but it’s possible to have fewer and, for some, none at all. It’s also possible for wisdom teeth to only partially erupt through the gums. This is known as an impacted tooth. When this occurs, you may experience pain and swelling; untreated, they may lead to crowding and infection.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that a dentist performs. It is usually done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your mouth. Sometimes, you may be given a sedative to help you relax or general anesthesia to make you sleep and comfortable during the procedure. The surgery itself is relatively quick, taking about 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Soups

Pureed soups are an excellent choice after wisdom teeth removal. They’re easy to chew and swallow and packed with nutrients that can help you recover quickly. They are prepared from scratch using fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, or fish.

You can also find commercially prepared soups that are easy to heat and eat. Just make sure to avoid those with chunks or any hard-to-chew ingredients. If you want to make your own at home, here are some recipes for you:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of broccoli soup
• Mushroom soup
• Vegetable soup
• Chicken noodle soup
• Beef noodle soup
• Tomato soup

To make, cook the ingredients until they’re soft. Once done, use a blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add water to thin it out if needed.

2. Smoothies

Smoothies are another excellent choice for people who have their wisdom teeth removed. You can use any fruits or vegetables in making your smoothie, as long as they’re soft enough to blend into a smooth consistency.

One of the most nutritious smoothies is a combination of peaches, mango and kale. Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C and B6, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium – all are essential for immune system function and help with inflammation. Also, mangoes and peaches are excellent sources of antioxidants and fibre.

To make this smoothie, combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add water or milk to thin it out if needed.

Here are some other ideas:

• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Mango
• Watermelon
• Papaya
• Cantaloupe

3. Pureed Fruits and Vegetables

You can make pureed fruits and vegetables even if you don’t have a blender. These are also easy to consume and are rich in nutrients that can help you recover quickly.

Some of the fruits and vegetables to puree are:

• Applesauce
• Mashed banana
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Squash
• Zucchini

To make, cook the vegetables until they’re soft. Once done, use a fork or potato masher to mash them into your desired consistency.

4. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another food that’s easy to chew and swallow. They’re also potassium- and vitamin C-rich. Add some cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu for more protein. You may also top it with cheese or gravy sauce.

5. Applesauce

Applesauce is a good source of fibre and vitamins A and C. It’s also soft enough to eat without irritating your gums or wound. You may also add some cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a bit of flavour.

Other Types of Food

• Greek Yogurt.
  Yogurt is protein- and probiotics-rich, which is beneficial for gut health. It’s also easy to eat and gentle on the stomach, making it an excellent choice for people who just had their wisdom teeth removed. When buying yogurt, make sure to choose those that are plain and unsweetened. You can add honey or fruit puree to sweeten it up.
  
  
• Pudding and Jell-O.
  Pudding and Jell-O are also excellent choices for people who just had their wisdom teeth removed. They’re soft, easy to eat and come in various flavours.
  
  
• Ice Cream.
  Soft serve ice cream is a good option for people who just had wisdom tooth removal.
  
  
• Milkshakes.
  A milkshake is ideal if you’re craving something cold and creamy. This is done by blending ice cream with milk. You can add fruits, chocolate syrup or peanut butter to make it tastier.
  
  
• Custard.
  Custard is another food that’s easy to eat and gentle on the stomach. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium.
  
  
• Scrambled Eggs.
  Scrambled eggs are a good source of protein, which can help with healing. They’re also gentle on the stomach and easy to eat.
  
  
• Fish.
  Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation. When choosing fish, opt for those that are soft and easy to chew, such as canned tuna, salmon, tilapia or cod. When cooking, avoid using spices as they can irritate your gums.
  
  
• Cooked Vegetables.
  If you’re craving something crunchy, then opt for cooked vegetables. Avoid hard-to-chew vegetables, like raw carrots and celery. Instead, you may eat green beans, peas, corn and potatoes.
  
  
• Cottage Cheese.
  Cottage cheese is another food that’s easy to eat and gentle on the stomach. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium, plus it’s easy to incorporate into other dishes.