Introduction
If you’re scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed, you might have a lot of questions regarding what you should eat leading up to the surgery. Eating the wrong foods beforehand can interfere with the healing process, leading to prolonged pain and swelling. On the other hand, consuming the right foods can facilitate the recovery process and make it less painful.
A Complete Guide to Eating Before Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Need to Know
Before delving into the details of what’s safe to eat before wisdom teeth removal, it’s crucial to understand why following the right diet is important in the first place.
First, it’s essential to avoid eating RIGHT before the surgery because eating can stimulate acid production and increase the risk of aspiration and other complications during anesthesia. Moreover, eating or drinking too close to the surgery may lead to nausea or vomiting, which can cause further problems during the procedure.
Second, choosing the right foods before surgery helps ensure that your body is getting the necessary nutrients to aid in healing, promoting less pain, less swelling, and a quicker recovery.
While the recommended diet leading up to wisdom teeth removal may vary from one person to another, there are some essential general guidelines:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
Foods to Avoid
Sticky, hard, crunchy, and acidic foods should be strictly avoided before wisdom teeth removal. These types of food can cause discomfort to the teeth, increase the chances of biting your tongue, and cause complications during the surgical procedure, leading to a slower healing process. Avoid the following:
- Nuts and seeds
- Hard candy
- Chips and popcorn
- Sticky sweets like caramel and taffy
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated beverages, like soda
Foods to Include in Your Diet
On the other hand, do not skip meals entirely leading up to the surgery. Food is necessary to fuel your body and ensure that you have the energy to go through the procedure and the recovery process. Include healthy, soft, and nutritious food options, like:
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Smoothies and shakes
- Cottage cheese
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal and other hot cereals
Tips for Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene Leading Up to the Surgery
Before and after the wisdom teeth removal procedure, it is essential to maintain good dental hygiene to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Here are some tips to help you do just that:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day.
- Rinse your mouth with a dental rinse to help disinfect your mouth and kill any harmful bacteria.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can hinder the body’s healing process.
Why You Shouldn’t Eat Before Wisdom Teeth Removal: The Science Behind Fasting
Fasting before surgery, or NPO (nil per os), has been a common practice for many years, and it has a good reason. According to studies, fasting before surgery can reduce surgical complications, improve healing, and reduce pain and discomfort after the surgery.
The reason for this is that the body directs its energy to the healing and repair process instead of digesting and absorbing food. Moreover, fasting can decrease the production of stomach acid, resulting in lower risk during anesthesia and reduced nausea and vomiting after the procedure.
After receiving anesthesia, it’s generally recommended to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours, or as instructed by your dental surgeon. The only exceptions to this rule are small sips of water that you may require taking necessary medications.
Navigating the Pre-Surgery Diet: How to Satisfy Hunger Without Eating
Avoiding solid foods can be challenging for anyone, even when you’re preparing for surgery. However, there are alternative food options that can help you satisfy your hunger and stay full without compromising the quality of your diet.
Here are some useful tips to help you:
- Drink plenty of water and sugar-free clear liquid, like broth, apple juice, and sports drinks.
- Blend fruits and vegetables to make smoothies and shakes.
- Cook and puree soups and broths to make them easier to swallow.
- Choose protein-rich foods like shakes, yogurts, and eggs to promote healing and repair processes.
If you choose this route, remember to monitor your caloric intake and ensure that you’re consuming enough nutrients to provide fuel and promote healing before and after the wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal: A Meal Plan for the Days Before Surgery
To help you better navigate the days leading up to your wisdom teeth removal surgery, here’s a sample meal plan:
Breakfast
- Scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Fruit smoothie or juice (strained and pulp-free)
Lunch
- Green vegetable juice
- Apple sauce
- Soup (strained and no large chunks)
Dinner
- Soft fish or chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Blended vegetable soup
Snacks
- Yogurt
- Blended fruit smoothie or shake
- Sugar-free jello
Foods to Avoid Completely
There are still some foods that you should avoid entirely, even if they fall under the “soft, bland” category. The following foods can interfere with the healing process and should be strictly avoided:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Spicy foods
- Carbonated beverages
Conclusion
Following the right diet before wisdom teeth removal is crucial for a smooth recovery process. Eating the wrong foods before surgery can increase the risk of complications, prolong pain, and swelling. In contrast, the right foods can help facilitate the recovery process and reduce discomfort following the procedure.
To make sure that the wisdom teeth removal procedure is as smooth and pain-free as possible, avoid eating for at least eight hours before your surgery and stick to soft, nutritious foods and clear liquids leading up to it.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or oral surgeon for specific recommendations based on your personal health profile for more guidance and advice. With the right pre-surgery diet, you’ll be on your way to a speedy and painless recovery in no time.
