What Can You (and Can’t) Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR;

Yes, you can eat—but only soft, cool, and gentle foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky to prevent complications like dry socket and delayed healing.

What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After your wisdom teeth are removed, your mouth goes through several healing stages. Each phase affects what you can—and can’t—safely eat.

First 24 hours: Clot formation begins to seal the empty sockets. This is a critical stage.
Days 2–3: Swelling and soreness peak, but tissue starts regenerating.
Week 1–2: Soft tissues continue healing; the risk of dry socket drops significantly.

Common Post-Op Symptoms:

Swelling
Mild bleeding
Bruising around jaw or cheeks
Jaw stiffness
Dry socket (if clots dislodge early)

Why Your Mouth Needs Special Care:

Soft foods prevent injury to healing gum tissue.
Hydration supports overall healing.
Nutrient-dense meals speed up recovery and reduce inflammation.

Why What You Eat Matters for Healing

Your food choices impact how fast—and how well—you heal. Eating the wrong things can lead to infection, pain, or longer downtime.

Foods That Help Recovery:

Soft and easy-to-chew
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
High in protein to support tissue repair
Anti-inflammatory properties

Avoid These Risks:

Hard foods can reopen wounds
Spicy foods may cause burning or irritation
Sticky foods can pull at stitches or clots

The Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal (By Timeline)

First 24 Hours:

Broth or clear soup (lukewarm)
Applesauce
Mashed bananas
Greek yogurt
Smoothies (no straw!)
Ice cream (no nuts or cones)

Days 2–3:

Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal (cooled)
Ramen (lukewarm, no slurping)
Cottage cheese
Mac and cheese

Days 4–7:

Soft rice or overcooked pasta
Pancakes or soft waffles (no crusty edges)
Steamed or mashed vegetables
Shredded chicken or soft tofu

Week 2 and Beyond:

Ground meat and soft sandwiches
Cooked fruits and veggies
Pasta with soft sauces
Slow-cooked or boiled chicken

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods:

Chips
Raw carrots or celery
Toast or crusty bread
Granola

Why: These can irritate the surgical site or dislodge blood clots.

Avoid Chewy or Sticky Foods:

Taffy, caramel, gummies
Steak, jerky
Chewy bagels or pizza crust

Why: Chewing puts pressure on healing areas and increases risk of injury.

Avoid Hot & Spicy Foods:

Spicy noodles
Hot soups
Curries or chili

Why: Heat and spice can increase inflammation and irritate healing tissue.

Sample Soft Food Meal Plan (Day-by-Day)

Day 1–2:

Greek yogurt
Cold mashed bananas
Applesauce
Broth or clear soup
Smoothies (no straw)
Ice cream

Day 3–4:

Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal (lukewarm)
Cottage cheese
Mac and cheese

Day 5–7:

Ramen or noodles
Soft-cooked rice
Soft pancakes or waffles
Steamed veggies
Shredded chicken or tofu

Week 2:

Ground meat or soft sandwiches
Cooked fruits and veggies
Soft cheese or pasta with sauce
Banana pancakes or protein smoothies

Tips for Eating Safely After Oral Surgery

No straws: Avoid suction for at least 7 days to prevent dry socket.
Chew on the opposite side: Protect healing sockets.
Eat slowly and mindfully: Smaller bites reduce risk. And don’t forget—what you drink is just as important. Check out our Post-Extraction Drink Guide to avoid dry socket and stay hydrated the safe way.
Rinse gently: Start with warm salt water on Day 2.
Avoid vigorous brushing: Keep the surgical area clean but gentle.

Eat Smart to Heal Faster

Eating the right foods after wisdom teeth removal is key to faster, smoother healing. Stick to soft, nourishing meals during the first two weeks and avoid foods that can harm your healing gums.

FAQ: What Can You (and Can’t) Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Grains & Carbs

Can I eat pizza after wisdom teeth removal?

No, avoid pizza for at least 1–2 weeks. The crust is too chewy and may dislodge clots or strain healing tissues.

Can I eat ramen after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, ramen is okay after the first 48 hours, as long as it’s lukewarm and not spicy. Use a spoon instead of slurping to avoid pressure changes in your mouth.

Can I eat bread after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft white bread (without crust) is fine after 4–5 days. Avoid toasted or crusty types which may irritate the surgical site.

Can I eat pasta after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, well-cooked and soft pasta is safe around days 2–3. Avoid hot sauces and stick to smooth textures.

Can I eat noodles after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft noodles are safe if they’re not hot or spicy. Chew gently and eat slowly to avoid disturbing the clot.

Can I eat mac and cheese after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, mac and cheese is perfect after day 3. Its soft texture makes it easy to eat while still being filling.

Can I eat rice after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft rice is okay around day 4. Mix it with broth or sauce to prevent grains from sticking in the extraction site.

Can I eat toast after wisdom teeth removal?

No, toast is too crunchy and can injure healing gum tissue. Wait at least two weeks before eating anything with a crispy texture.

Proteins

Can I eat chicken after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, shredded or boiled chicken is safe after 4–5 days. Avoid fried or grilled versions that are too chewy.

Can I eat meat after wisdom teeth removal?

Soft meats like ground beef are okay after 5–7 days. Avoid tougher cuts like steak until week 2 or later.

Can I eat eggs after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, eggs are one of the best recovery foods. Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs are easy to chew and nutrient-rich.

Can I eat steak after wisdom teeth removal?

No, steak is too tough and requires too much chewing. Wait at least 2 weeks before attempting steak.

Can I eat bacon after wisdom teeth removal?

No, bacon is both chewy and crunchy—two textures to avoid. It can irritate or tear the healing site.

Can I eat ground beef after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft ground beef is easy to chew and can be eaten after 5 days. Use it in soups or with soft pasta.

Can I eat chicken nuggets after wisdom teeth removal?

After a week, yes, if they’re not overly crunchy. Soften them with sauce and chew gently.

Can I eat burgers after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, after 7–10 days if the bun is soft and the patty isn’t tough. Chew slowly and avoid biting directly onto the healing area.

Can I eat tacos after wisdom teeth removal?

No, tacos are too crunchy and contain sharp ingredients. Wait until you’re fully healed before eating them.

Dairy

Can I eat cheese after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese are safe after day 2. Avoid firm or aged cheeses early on.

Can I eat yogurt after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, smooth yogurt is perfect from day 1. Avoid varieties with chunks, seeds, or granola.

Can I eat ice cream after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, ice cream soothes swelling and is great on day 1. Avoid flavors with nuts or mix-ins that require chewing.

Can I eat cottage cheese after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, cottage cheese is high in protein and very soft. It’s a great option starting on day 2.

Snacks & Sweets

Can I eat fries after wisdom teeth removal?

No, fries are too hard and crunchy for the first week. Even soft fries can break into sharp pieces that irritate wounds.

Can I eat chips after wisdom teeth removal?

No, chips are one of the worst offenders for dry socket. Skip them completely for at least 2–3 weeks.

Can I eat cookies after wisdom teeth removal?

Soft cookies may be okay after 7 days. Avoid hard or crunchy ones until fully healed.

Can I eat cake after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, moist cakes are okay after about a week. Avoid dense cakes with nuts or chunks.

Can I eat chocolate after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft chocolate that melts in your mouth is fine after 5–7 days. Skip anything with nuts or sticky centers.

Can I eat candy after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid candy for 1–2 weeks. Sticky and hard candies pose a high risk to healing tissue.

Can I eat donuts after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, soft donuts are generally safe after 5–7 days. Be cautious with filled or glazed types that may stick to your gums.

Fruits & Vegetables

Can I eat bananas after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, bananas are soft and ideal from day 1. Mash them if needed to make swallowing easier.

Can I eat applesauce after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, applesauce is smooth, soothing, and easy to eat. It’s a top choice for day 1 recovery.

Can I eat mashed potatoes after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, mashed potatoes are one of the best healing foods. Make them smooth and lukewarm.

Can I eat vegetables after wisdom teeth removal?

Only soft or cooked vegetables are safe in the first week. Avoid raw or crunchy ones until you’re fully healed.

Can I eat salad after wisdom teeth removal?

Wait 5–7 days to eat salad. Raw greens can get trapped in the socket and disrupt healing.

Texture, Temperature & Spice