If you’ve been told you need wisdom tooth removal, it’s safe to assume that you may be wondering when it’s time for your return to your normal diet. As an example, a common question is when can I eat chips after wisdom teeth removal?
Let Dr. Angela and the Palm Beach Orthodontics team break down what you need to know for eating chips after wisdom teeth removal and hard food items in general, along with a few pointers that will ensure a smooth recovery process for you.
The Problem with Chips and Other Hard, Crunchy Foods
A chip may appear innocuous, but the truth is that it can cause various problems in regard to the initial healing process. The explanation for that is that, during eating, the rough surfaces produced by a chip may cause irritation or puncture sensitive areas around the tooth that has been removed.
Crunchy foods will also prove to be risky because they can disturb or remove the blood clot that has formed in the sites where the extraction has taken place. The blood clot is important for the healing process, such that if it is lost, it leads to dry socket, a painful condition that we are confident that you prefer not to experience.
Therefore, it is advised that, until your mouth heals, you avoid eating any type of chip or other snack that could irritate it. Whether it’s wisdom tooth removal or dental aligners in Palm Beach, it’s important to listen to our team and our recommendations.
What Should I Eat After Removing My Wisdom Teeth?
We will provide instructions after any procedure, so it’s important to follow these specific guidelines. Let’s touch on some general rules below:
The First 24 Hours
Nothing except cold, mushy food like yogurt, applesauce, or smoothies can be eaten. Nothing too hot, since it can cause bleeding. Also, avoid using a straw when drinking, since this can dislodge the clots.
Days 2 to 7
You can start to introduce something a little firmer, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal. But once again, don’t eat hard, crunchy, or chewy textures. This will include chips, nuts, popcorn, and hard bread.
From Week Two
For many individuals, it is acceptable to resume eating normal foods a week after the surgery, depending on how the recovery is. If there is still pain and swelling, then it is advisable to hold back a little longer before eating hard food. If you’re asking, after wisdom teeth removal when can I eat chips? Let’s consider this question specifically.
When Can You Eat Chips Again?
Firstly, it will be safe for you to continue eating chips without any inhibitions after a period of 7 to 10 days if your sites for extraction are healing properly. Others may wait for two weeks. If you’re searching online for ‘how long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat chips’, always check in with Dr. Angela and the team before reintroducing crunchy snacks. Even when you do introduce hard foods again, pay close attention to your mouth and any reactions.
Taking Care of Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Top Tips
Taking good care of your mouth will help expedite the healing process. Here’s what you need to do:
Keep It Clean
Gentle salt water mouth rinses can be used gently from around 24 hours after surgery. This will keep the mouth clean, and swelling will reduce. However, salt water mouth rinses should not be used vigorously, since this can disrupt the blood clot that has formed.
Avoid Certain Activities
Do not smoke, use a straw when drinking, or spit forcefully. This will dislodge the blood clot, thereby causing delayed healing.
Manage Pain and Swelling
Apply ice packs to your cheeks for the first 24 hours. If there is swelling, then use warm compresses. Take any pain medications that we have prescribed or recommended.
Watch for Warning Signs
If there’s severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any sign that an infection has started, such as fever or pus, it’s important to visit our team.
Be Patient, Your Mouth Will Thank You
Your body will require time to recover from the surgery, and your regular diet can cause complications. The eating of chips can be something that you can indulge in when typically hungry, but it requires time for your mouth to heal, maybe a week or two. Being cautious about eating hard and crunchy foods now will help you avoid complications and ensure a smooth return to your favorite snacks!