Getting your wisdom teeth is a memorable right of passage for any adult or young adult – and so is the ice cream diet that likely followed for the next few days. But while polishing off a pint of Ben and Jerry’s sure did make a painful situation a whole lot sweeter, humans cannot survive on ice cream alone – or they shouldn’t, anyway.
Thankfully there are plenty of healthier alternatives to that old standby, and we bet they’ll leave your mouth feeling good!
Hummus
Hummus not only tastes great, but it’s also full of protein to help give you the strength and energy you need during the healing process. If you’re used to spreading hummus on crunchy things like chips, toast and vegetables, skip those for now, and just eat it with a spoon.
Peanut Butter
Just like hummus, peanut butter is packed with delicious protein – but you’re probably used to spreading it on something for snacks. The good news is that getting your wisdom teeth extracted is somewhat of a special occasion, so go get your own jar, and go right ahead and eat it out of the jar with a spoon. We promise we won’t tell mom!
Avocados
Avocados are not just the food-du-jour, they’re also full of healthy fats and oils and vitamins, all of which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. But beware – when it comes to avocados, you can have too much of a good thing. Just one cup of avocado is 234 calories and 21 grams of fat! That’s one-third of your recommended daily fat intake. The good news is a little bit of avocado goes a long way toward helping you feel full, so don’t overdo it. Start with a tablespoon alone or blended into a fruit smoothie and see if you notice a difference in how you feel after.
Scrambled Eggs
Thankfully, eggs are already pretty soft, so they don’t require a lot of chewing to ingest. You may not be able to get home from surgery and start eating eggs right away, but if you’re a fan, give them a try after the first day or so and see if you handle them. The protein will really go a long way toward helping build up your strength.
Soup
Hot or chunky soup probably doesn’t sound like the best idea after you’ve had teeth removed, but a creamy soup served warm (not hot!) can soothe aching gums while it fills your stomach. Plus, pureed soups are a great way to get in your protein and vegetables without having to chew.
Yogurt
Another protein powerhouse, yogurt also has the added benefits of probiotics, which can help re-balance your system if you’re taking antibiotics following your surgery. Plus, the cooling sensation it provides will be enough to soothe your mouth without being too cold.
Ice Cream
OK, OK, we don’t recommend it for every meal, but ice cream after wisdom teeth extraction does make life a lot more enjoyable. Just make sure you try to eat something healthy first – and that you still brush your teeth after.
Remember, heal at your own pace and don’t force yourself to eat foods you’re not ready to eat. And no matter what, don’t use a straw, or you could put yourself at risk for a painful condition called dry socket. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Abelar’s office at (858) 866-9692.
