How long after wisdom teeth can i eat rice

After wisdom tooth removal, we got lot of reasons to feel anxious. But following Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon’s instructions before and after wisdom tooth removal clears way several fears. One of the main worry is regarding diet. What to eat what not to eat.

First 24 hours of wisdom tooth extraction, soft diet is recommended. Take only cold food for 24 hours after extraction. Off course, you can have rice after tooth extraction but its better to take surgeon’s advise before having any food.

Softer foods after tooth extraction 

Prefer softer and cold foods immediately after extraction. Softer foods will be gentle on our mouth tissues. While hard and tough foods may disturb the blood clot and delay healing.

Most of us prefer Ice creams, Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes after extraction.

But nutrition plays a major role in healing. Continuously having above food only will not give us enough strength and nutrition. So, we think of rice and other items.

Rice after tooth extraction

Well cooked rice is soft, requires less amount of chewing and easily digestible. So, it is preferred diet after tooth extraction. There are chances of it getting stuck in the socket, particularly in lower wisdom tooth, after eating rice. Gently rinse the site to remove the rice.

Precautions after wisdom tooth removal

Whether to have rice immediately after tooth removal is better decided by the operating surgeon. Depending on difficulty involved in extraction, your health and postoperative swelling the surgeon will guide you about the diet.

But after 3 days post extraction, you better have balanced, nutritious diet.

References

Lau, Beatrice Y et al. “Dietary strategies to optimize wound healing after periodontal and dental implant surgery: an evidence-based review.” The open dentistry journal vol. 7 36-46. 5 Apr. 2013, doi:10.2174/1874210601307010036

The procedure is over, and you’re undoubtedly relieved, but now the recovery process will begin.  For most of our patients, recovery from wisdom tooth extraction isn’t a big deal – a few days while the wound(s) heal over and some mild discomfort or swelling to deal with.  Nothing to it, but sometimes the extraction was more intense, and your recovery can take up to a week or two.  Regardless of how long your recovery will take, you’ll initially find yourself limited as to what you can safely eat.  Drinking is no problem, but getting those valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals into your system can seem like a tough task and one that requires a certain creative touch.  Don’t worry though, because we’re going to take the hassle out of figuring out what to eat after wisdom tooth removal with our helpful list and some tips to go along with it.

Let’s get started with what you can eat after your wisdom tooth surgery.

Your dentist will have already mentioned to you that hard foods are out of the question.  Same goes for anything crunchy or sticky.  It’s probably also a good idea to refrain from eating too many sweets or anything overly spicy but some is ok as long as it doesn’t cause you discomfort and you’re able to rinse your mouth afterwards. 

Be careful with the temperature of your food (especially immediately after surgery when your mouth is still numb) and make sure to AVOID using a straw when you drink.  This is because the pressure created as you pull on the straw can easily loosen an existing blood clot and you will be bleeding all over again.  If this happens you can put yourself at risk of developing ‘dry socket’, a painful inflammation that you could definitely do without.

Basically, avoid anything that can cut, scratch or irritate your mouth until you’re all healed up, and oh yes, try to avoid alcohol too because it can really delay healing which you surely don’t want.

Here’s out list of foods you can eat to tide you over until your done healing.

Soups & Broths

These are your go-to-foods for the first days after surgery.  They’re nutritious, tasty and easy to ingest.  This means your food processor or blender will become your best friend as you blend up creamy soups, bisques or delicious chowders.  Noodle soups are awesome too, as are all sorts of broths which you can easily consume when you need something quick. 

Congee

This can be a real treat even without having gone through a wisdom tooth removal so you’re in luck.  It’s usually made of rice and other soft additions in a soup broth that’s very easy to ingest.  Any bigger pieces are typically soft and can be cut down to make them more manageable.  Use your judgement as to what you should or shouldn’t try to eat.

Smoothies

We all love smoothies, right?  Not only are they nutritious (think fruits and veggies) but they’re super tasty.  In this case you’ll have to create more of a smoothie bowl, because remember, straws are not allowed, so grab your spoon and get enjoying.  A tip is to use seedless fruits because the seeds can end up trapped around the site of tooth removal and cause problems there.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a very healthy food that you should likely be eating already, but now that you’re only allowed soft foods – it’s one of the best.  Top it with smaller sliced fruits or stir in some jam and a nice cool yogurt will soothe your pain while filling your tummy. It’s also one of the easiest things you can prepare for yourself.

Ice Cream

Usually we’d advise you to wait on this one until after something more nutritious, but heck, who can resist, and you’ve really earned this treat.  Ice cream is easy to eat, and tasty, as are sherbets or sorbets, so make use of this situation and use it as an excuse to indulge.

Well-cooked Pasta or Rice

Pasta and rice can be a viable meal to eat but remember that you’ll want to overcook both to make things soft and easy to ingest.  Pasta you’ll also likely need to cut into smaller portions but that’s easily done and can be very tasty (almost a normal meal).

Avocados

Avocados are all the rage these days and luckily, they’re also suitable for you to eat.  Choose the softest you can find and if possible, break them down in to a guacamole type consistency.  Add a bit of balsamic vinegar, grab your spoon and you’re good to go.

Porridge

One of the healthiest meals you can eat, usually for breakfast, porridge is a great option.  It’s easy to make, soft enough to eat, flavourful if you add some jam, sugar or syrup and it’s very nutritious.  Just make sure you cook it until it’s really soft for the easiest consumption.

Scrambled Eggs

If protein is a concern of yours, eggs could be the answer.  They’re soft and nutritious, especially when scrambled and can tide you over until your mouth has healed.

We hope you find our list useful, but remember, it’s just a small list and there’s lots of other options you could enjoy.  Get creative and put your food processor to work and you can be enjoying a different meal each time you eat.  Having your wisdom teeth out isn’t fun but remember, the discomfort is temporary.  Hopefully our list will inspire you to eat well, even though your recovering and only able to eat soft foods.  Enjoy!

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