Susannah studied journalism and is a writer both online and off. She lives in Australia with her family.

It can be hard to find satisfying foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal or other oral surgery. The food must be soft and easy to eat, but since healing can take a few days it is also important that we not tire of our menu options.

Here are some foods and liquids to stock up on before surgery and keep around while you are healing.

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (A-C)

Chewing and Swallowing After Oral Surgery

If you have wool pads or sore areas in your mouth, the idea of chewing and swallowing can be scary. Try chewing with your front teeth. Once the food is soft enough, swish it around with saliva for a few seconds and then swallow.

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (D-M)

Remember, no straws! Sucking through a straw can remove the blood clot that forms over your wound and heals the extraction area.

Pain Medication After Wisdom Teeth Removal

While some people never need pain medication after oral surgery, others feel pain and discomfort that is hard to ignore. Paracetamol (Panadol or Tylenol) or Ibuprofin (Neurofen) can help. If these medicines don't do the trick, check with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist about which drugs are best for you.

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (M-P)

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (R-S)

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (S-S)

Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery (T-Z)

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Tara Hobbs on April 20, 2020:

I had all of my teeth extracted of Wed. Im not able to eat or drink much of anything. Struggling to get protein shakes down. Definitely getting hydrated

Anyone have any good soft recipe's they would be willing to share.

.

Tara on April 20, 2020:

With the virus going on i really don't want to.

Ava on February 04, 2020:

I’m getting 4 teeth pulled in 5 days and I’m 14 but I love all the great options I don’t have enough room in my mouth which calls for surgery which I have never had so having some delicious meal and snack ideas after will boost my energy thank you so much for the tips

robinsonlorraine186@yahoo.com.au on October 20, 2019:

Thank you giving great ideas I’m really hungry after having 4 teeth out on the bottom only have three teeth left there waiting for dentures I am so sick of soup now I have a variety of food to choose from

Kim on June 21, 2019:

Working for oral surgeons for years, we always told patients NOTHING tiny like rice , tapioca, corn etc. that can get stuck in the sockets.

Doreen on June 18, 2019:

I just had 3 pulled. I always treat myself to a 7-11 pina colada slurpee afterwards. It helps mentally, feeling like I'm on vacation and uplifting. Also, got Culver's frozen custard. Also will have mashed potatoes, yogurt, wide egg noodles with butter, brownie batter protein drink, as well as pudding. Will try the avocadoes and hummus. That sounds good! Good luck everyone! Was given Tylenol with codeine. ZZZzzz

Robert Audi on June 08, 2019:

Escargot are excellent after throat surgery

Robin Sanchez on February 27, 2019:

Great tip about Ensure Angie & Tanya! My son is having all 4 wisdoms removed next week, I will definitely put that on my list to get when buying soft foods!

Laurie R on January 26, 2019:

Nursing husband and he was really hungry too. Spaghetti Os were good....they just slid down easy. Mashed sweet potato, and mashed potatoes with brown gravy were satisfying too. V8 juice, juices, smoothies too are good

Angie on January 25, 2019:

I had my gum graft surgery yesterday. I put iced on face for 8 hours on and off. Had ensure and rice pudding only for dinner. Tomorrow scrambled eggs and ensure for breakfast

Tanya Carey on January 23, 2019:

My daughter had 4 wisdom teeth extracted and drank Ensure for the first couple days (no straws!). Satisfied her hunger. Once she felt better she didn't like the taste but by then she could eat some other healthy and satisfying foods. Will do Ensure and some of these other great ideas for my son who is getting all four out next week.

Patrice Hayes on August 30, 2018:

Had two top wisdoms removed 2hours ago and I think I'm more hungry the fact that you really can't eat much

Travel Chef from Manila on August 11, 2018:

Even my doctor told me to eat ice cream after he removed my tooth. As it helps to stop my tooth from bleeding. I really find it very effective.

Me on August 10, 2018:

good for braces too

Lyn on June 29, 2018:

I had 4 wisdom teeth removed today. I am too tempted to put pizza in a Blender. Maybe with a little bit more pizza sauce to make it smoother? Is that even a good idea?

Isabella on March 13, 2018:

great info.

Shadow on December 21, 2017:

how long does wisdom teeth removal take to heal because I only got 1 side done and I'm not sure I can eat rice and other foods. so is macaroni good to eat as long as its not hot or what

Christopher Hughes on November 23, 2017:

I got my wisdom tooth cut out Monday 4 days later still a little swollen mouth cant fully open yet so I have just basically been eating mashed bananas fruit smoothies and soups cant wait till I can eat a fatty burger haha

Erin Landgrebe on November 11, 2017:

Had full mouth extraction 4 days ago. Had no idea what to eat. Have temp dentures which makes more complicated. This really helped. Thanks so much.

Sasha on October 11, 2017:

I have had my expander for a week now and this has helped a LOT

kenneth carlson on September 24, 2017:

had nine pulled 9/21-first day i avoided eating, just rinsing and sipps of water, 2nd day- scrambled eggs ,then for dinner-creamy chicken and dumpling soup over well cooked rice.Pudding for dessert...biggest thing is to rinse with salt water afterwards and avoid really hot or cold items.tonight -ravioli

Abby on September 05, 2017:

I'm getting my wisdom teeth removed in about 3 months and I was terrified about what I was going to eat but this really calmed me down so thank you for this post!

Kristina on August 20, 2017:

Had 4 teeth pulled 4 days ago. My jaw is still sore from top to bottom. Get sore from talking. My husband god bless his heart makes me tomato soup with seasoned croutons-he let's them sit and get mushy-since I have been starving for "normal,filling" food. Other than that just sugar free pudding and low sugar applesauce with cottage cheese, and broths. This website is fantastic. Thank you for all the food ideas I can try once I get over my own nervousness of eating more solid foods

Dan on August 16, 2017:

Scrambled eggs and salsa is da bomb!

Guido on August 16, 2017:

Just had all top teeth taken with a moler infections etc and this site has been helpful. Here's something I learned, pineapple juice helps the gums to heal faster and stronger especially if you start before the surgery. Thanks

Marc Duerr on July 27, 2017:

I refer to this list often...even for diet food. Outstanding reference!

Steph on June 23, 2017:

I got 2 wisdoms out yesterday and I saw this list and I was super happy cause I was STARVING! So I tried the meatballs with mash potatoes.. DONT DO THE MEATBALLS! It was hell and I'm still hungry lol

Lynne on June 15, 2017:

Wow, just had 7 teeth extracted and 3 implants. This is going to be a tremendous help. Thank you.

Tallfern on June 01, 2017:

I recommend pate and liverwurst. And you can make tender chicken, fish, or really any meat into pate in a food processor. Rotisserie chicken from your favorite grocery can be extremely tender, but watch the salt content. Just throw in the onions and mushrooms or whatever you love and invent your own. You can spread it on bread or just enjoy it on it's own.

For the first week after removal of all my teeth, I drank a lot of egg drop soup. It's salty and soothing, and felt very good. Just watch out for that sodium and msg if you get it from the restaurant. (I can make it but mine's never as good as my favorite take-out).

The best thing so far: I've lost 20 lbs in two weeks!

Rob on May 29, 2017:

Pancakes!!!!

chevy on May 27, 2017:

waffles would be harder wouldn't they

Joe on May 26, 2017:

Very helpful, Thank you

Erin on May 15, 2017:

My wisdom tooth kill me

lijahh on May 12, 2017:

Just two uppers removed this morning - did the local anesthetic even which might be a little less popular (had to drive). Granted I had it easy with just two on top, but confused why this surgery is so hyped up.. save your fear :) Worst part is two hours later and I'm starving. Fage yogurts will not be sufficient, thanks for the list. Mac & Cheese, tropical smoothie, and some chicken noodle soup. I think I want all three.. now.

Shehzad Malik on March 27, 2017:

Thank you soo much for such a great information.

Mia on March 25, 2017:

Just had all four of my wisdom teeth removed two days ago. This was very helpful!

George on March 24, 2017:

Thanks alot this article really helps!☺

Elle on March 16, 2017:

Brilliant post. Huge impacted lower wisdom tooth out today with some bone to. Yuk

Surgeon rattled off soft easy foods only. No chewing. Liquids predominantly.

After anaesthetic I lost mind recall.

This post is an answer to prayer

Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

Absolutely fabulous.

ngem0526 on February 17, 2017:

You can't eat hot foods or drink 24 hours after getting your wisdom teeth removed. No hard foods, obviously. NO RICE! It'll get stuck in the holes! I wouldn't go for waffles, I mean it's made right they have a little crunch. Smoothies are good. I wouldn't need go for just peanut butter, especially if you're like me and your mouth hurts to open and it hurts to move your tounge. DONT DRINK OUT OF A STRAW! No carbonated beverages for the first 24 hours and no spicy or hot foods.

Carla on February 11, 2017:

Omg I wish I found this this 3 days ago when I had 2 teeth pulled. I've been on a pudding, applesauce, broth for 3 days and I'm starving. Thank god this list is here. Very helpful not I can finally eat real food, woohoo.

MB on February 06, 2017:

Great article just had four removed last night and was dreading the chicken soup and mashed banana diet

Beatriz on February 01, 2017:

I took a bowl of honey bunches of oats, put milk in it and microwaved it for a minute or so until it was mushy. Ice cream was great too! Spaghetti kinda hurt, tomato sauce.

Presh on January 27, 2017:

I just got 4 out they put drugs in me I want food my mouth is bleeding btw

Nk on January 27, 2017:

So helpful! I needed yo stock up before my surgery, am having all 4 removed; thank you for this detailed list.

Erin on January 24, 2017:

This is a great list and very informative, but for other types of jaw surgery other than wisdom tooth removal, some of these may not be appropriate. I had orthognathic surgery on my upper jaw in 2003 and the doctor put me on a soft-foods only diet for a month afterward and told me absolutely NO chewing whatsoever during that time, but provided me with booklets of recipes and said anything could be put in a blender and consumed through a straw. Sorry, but if I want a cheeseburger, the idea of drinking one through a straw is enough to turn my stomach. I ate a lot of yogurt, mashed potatoes, tomato soup, melted ice cream and the like. A list like this would have helped tremendously, but only those items requiring NO chewing at all.

samantha on January 24, 2017:

this is very helpful

Jessica on January 23, 2017:

I got my tooth pulled today do I have to eat food withe gauze still in my mouth if its still bleeding

jesus m. lopez on January 16, 2017:

Tremendously helpful.

Pamela LeMaster on January 15, 2017:

This is a VERY good list.........I done a lot of searching and this is by far the best. its rough!! I had 28 pulled and I'm just glad that only happen's once in a lifetime. Good Luck to all of you...............I had mine removed 26th of December 2016 and I'll be goin back the 1st of March to start the process of dentures...............

Amalia M on January 11, 2017:

I'm Having my wisdom tooth removed today after 2 painful days. I'm very nervous about it, since is my first time and is an impacted tooth. This list gives comfort and allows time to prepare. I feel hopeful.

Kelsey on January 07, 2017:

Very helpful!!!

..... on January 04, 2017:

does it hurt

Samita on January 03, 2017:

Sounds good..thanks. just got my wisdom tooth extration but the pasta in your advice brought smile on my face..

b.stewart on January 01, 2017:

this is really helpful to me i got my tongue pierced yesterday and im restricted to a soft foods diet for a few dys until swelling goes down.

Caroline Pope on December 29, 2016:

I would say no spicy food it irritates the gums. I had my wisdom teeth removed yesterday and tried Popeyes gravy and it wasn't awful... just not pleasant.

Morgan on December 19, 2016:

So it's been about 3 days after my teeth where out and I googled what's good to eat after surgery this article popped up and this really helped and narrow down what's the best things and this really help me and my sister who also got hers out and I'm glade I googled this!

Katie on December 01, 2016:

Thank you so much. Ive been at a loss since I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday. This really helped.

Aliya on December 01, 2016:

Shoot I'm so happy I found this cuz I'm starving and its been 2 days since I got all 4 pulled and i'm still in pain like I don't really wanna eat but I had mashpotatos ..... Sooooo good

Morgan on November 18, 2016:

Just got all 4 out and didn't know what to eat, but this helped a lot!!!

Stacy on November 18, 2016:

I just had 15 teeth (2 were wisdom) surgically removed 3 days ago. I am starving! Lol! I've been having protein shakes, applesauce, cream soups, and ice cream. May try a few of these others out, thank you.

Amber on November 16, 2016:

I thinks this list is great.Thanks!!

hk98 on November 15, 2016:

tomorrow i am having my wisdom teeth removed, what should i drink and eat afterwards?

EYENEWIT on November 03, 2016:

As I type this text, I'm waiting for these three 800mg ibuprofens to kick in, so I can feel normal again.

On Friday October 28, 2016, I had my three wisdom teeth removed (two bottoms and one top).

I was awake during the procedure of my teeth being pulled from my body; however, I had the dentist give me so many pain shots that I didn't feel a thing - not even the pressure that literally everyone said would be felt.

I was given so many shots that my eyebrows, chin and ears were numb along with the typical expectation of numbness. It took over 5 hours for the numbness to fully go away. Oh, no, I am not complaining. I'm just saying when the dentist said you're going to feel pressure when your tooth leave your body. I almost ran but and I didn't even feel the pressure. Dentist don't scare your patiences!

So, the scary part was all the uncertainty and mystery. My imagination freaked me out. Plus, the sounds of the hissing tools blazing in my ears as I lay vulnerable with my mouth wide open as this human removed my hugh-deep-rooted teeth from your body. I felt like I was in the movie "Hostel" . The sounds left me a but nervous even though I didn't feel a thing. It's a mind ****. If you're propertly numb you'll be fine.

As of right now this minute, I'm in noticeable and uneasy pain. From my gums, to my teeth, to the sockets, to my jaws getting some kind of after shock of some sort and phantom psins, I'm not feeling 100%. I can not wait until I heal.

I'm scared to eat anything because the sockets freaks me out. And what's up with my cheeks wanting to cave in when I'm talking because no teeth are back there for structure and foundation. I feel like I'm 98 years old. Anyway! So, after 24 hours of no food, I tried cream of wheat. Eureka! I stuck gold. Then, I ate yams, grits and I got cocky and tried to eat a pork chop. Ummmm, no! Go bavk to sift food. Yes!Not even chewing it in the front and swallowing in the back works. In addition, it feels weird to eat with my front teeth. I feel like a horse or some sort of creature. I'm trying to avoid food getting trapped in my sockets. OMG! It's so scary to me.

I miss my teeth. If I would have taken care of them properly, I would still have them since they wasn't causing any problem. They were pulled for poor dental care. :/ Hard to reach area!

(Avoidance) Brush, floss alllllllllllllllllll the time and eat soft foods (recovery). Ooh! And, the dentist has a tool to flush food out the sockets safely at home. I have one but stills freaks me out.

I saw my teeth one last time as I sadly kissed them good-bye (not literally kissed) now it's time to say hello to good appropriate foods that I can eat during my healing period.

BM on October 28, 2016:

Nad, the issue with alcohol is that it can cause stress on your liver when combined with pain medication. You should be fine to drink alcohol in 24h IF you are not also taking pain medication. The combination can put extra stress on your body.

Had my two upper wisdom teeth removed yesterday morning, didn't hurt at all yesterday (just lots of blood) but they are more sore today (not painful really, just a slight annoying ache). Might try overcooked noodles tonight. Been eating mashed potatoes/soup so far.

Lindoc on October 25, 2016:

Just had all 4 wisdom teeth removed this morning. I made myself a batch of chicken soup yesterday. My sister made a great dish; her Thanksgiving candied sweet potatoes which she then blended for my sake! Also a batch of great mashed potatoes. Had a bowl of tortilla soup for dinner (sans the tortilla strips). All good. Oh, almost forgot the hot fudge banana milk shake from Dairy Queen!!!

Nad on October 25, 2016:

Dr said no alcohol, but for how long after surgery?

PamelaRp on October 25, 2016:

I had a pulp cap put on a tooth and it lasted less than 48 hours on my tooth and the dentist did a horrible job. I look and studied this list for well over a half hour and feel that there are not enough foods that are not hard for me to eat when having tooth work done. The percentage looks like it is less than 25 percent of the foods we eat that are not hard. It would be helpful that you put in this article the percentage of foods that are hard so I can tell the dentist the reason why he did such a lousy job with the cap on my tooth that was cemented improperly and horribly. This tooth needs a root canal and I am dirt poor. I have the money saved up but this is the last of it and never will have money again since I am severely disabled and cannot work and will not ever be able to work.

Sarah on October 23, 2016:

I had all four impacted wisdom teeth removed, two other teeth removed, and my upper palate/jaw broke in half. I have stitches for 5 of the teeth, and stitches all under my upper lip for the jaw surgery. Everything hurts to eat. This list is helpful for sure. still missing solid food and chewing

Michelle on October 22, 2016:

Had my 4 wisdom teeth out on Wednesday no stitches and can only eat pudding this sucks

Christina on October 22, 2016:

Sherbet. No such thing as "sherbert"

Hashiel on October 20, 2016:

Had my last upper left remove.

I'm thinking about soup.

Last time I had my wisdom removed I ate 2 hour later shertted chicken in soup lol. I was hungry. Guys feel better this is just temporary. Smile with your white teeth.

Oh thank you handsome :) loveyourself1

Sheeba on October 19, 2016:

Omg I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled today and 2 stitches I have so far only ate applesauce and tried to eat a soft piece of chicken now I think a piece is stuck in my clot. Thanks for this list and all the comments I'm gonna get some things in the morning. BTW I was also more nervous to get mine pulled over child birth lol I even had my first panic attack smh but it turned out not to be so bad!

Coco on October 05, 2016:

I just had my lower right wisdom tooth pulled yesterday and this pain is the worst. I've been eating yogurt and soup cant wait to eat a steak or burger

Annie on October 05, 2016:

Just had gum grafting done and can not bite anything for 10 days. He suggested soft foods for the entire 10 days. I am tired of soup and yogurt. Thank you for your list. :)

Steph on October 03, 2016:

I'm having the left wisdom removed and I too am scared of this over having a child! This list is going to help a lot as I'll prepare ahead of time. Thanks!

Dale on September 30, 2016:

If you think 4 teeth removed is hard to find anything to eat try having all them removed at once then try to find anything that doesn't kill you to eat mashed potatoes and pudding potted meat that's about all

Sara on September 29, 2016:

I get all 4 wisdom teeth removed this coming Tuesday and am scared to death. I wasn't even this scared with childbirth! Thank you so much for the list of foods, although I'll be staying away from bread and rice. My pain tolorence is high so I'm hoping it's not as bad as everyone says.

Brittany on September 23, 2016:

Eat food(I eat yogurt) before the pain meds so you don't get sick. I heard dairy helps a lot with it. So far I haven't gotten sick.

Brittany on September 23, 2016:

I just got mine out 2 days ago. As long as you take your pain meds, it's not too bad. And I'm a huge baby. I just have pressure from swelling, really. So far I've eaten plain Greek yogurt w mashed banana, tomato soup, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes. I'd go get more food but I live too far from the store:/ country livin.. blah

Jelena on September 16, 2016:

just had all 4 removed as long as u stay away from grains and seeds u can eat anything else; just everyone pain tolerance different i was eating cucumber and vinegar on my second day after all 4 wisdom pulled and stitched. Found pain medication and their tylenol made me sick and loss of appetite if u can skip the pills and bare the pain.

Sally on September 16, 2016:

This was very helpful

Mel on September 13, 2016:

Not so sure on chilli,rice quinoa options as read small bits can get stuck in extraction site and cause and infection but some very good ideas otherwise thank you

Jennifer on September 12, 2016:

Thank you for making this list and every ones comments! 4 days to go and my daughter will be getting her out. :-)

Kelsey on September 12, 2016:

Had all 4 wisdom teeth removed and stitched up 6 days ago. Man was this the most pain I have been in for a while! Couldn't sleep or barely eat even with pain medication! BUT I finally caved for mashed potatoes, gravy, Mac n cheese, and even over cooked and chopped up ravioli! :)

Pamela on September 08, 2016:

Very helpful and a good variety

Kathy on September 07, 2016:

Just got 2 bottom wisdom teeth out this morning and ate pudding and oatmeal for dinner....gonna have a large frosty from Wendy's for dessert!! Great list!

Shelli Hamrick on September 02, 2016:

I go September 6th to plan my surgery for wisdom teeth and I heard it is extremely painful. Hopefully I can rest better at night. I am going to try a lot of these foods.

Sky on August 25, 2016:

Just got all four of my wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and all I have been eating is pudding, jello, and mashed potatoes haha! I'm going to try mac and cheese tonight! :)

Shae on August 23, 2016:

I like this list of food - many are tasty things I'd be happy to eat. Thank you! :)

Athol on August 18, 2016:

Just had six removed (4 wisdom and 2 supernumerary) Thank you very much for the list, overcooked mac and cheese was a great insight

Mayra on August 16, 2016:

Had three of my four wisdom teeth removed yesterday ( the bottom one gave a strong battle, so we had to leave the other one in for a future visit). My dentist stitched up all three holes.

Nyx on August 12, 2016:

You should definitely NOT eat couscous or quinoa. It's all tiny particles that'll get stuck in the socket.

Lynn on August 07, 2016:

I had my 3 Wisdom teeth removed last week and 1 stitch that is so annoying i thought it was food and had to go back to my Dentist and they told me it was a stitch my Mouth still hurts so much and its so hard to know what to eat so thank you x

Sadie on August 05, 2016:

Not supposed to have heavy grains or any bread. Or acidic foods, as well as spicy foods.

Stacy on August 03, 2016:

I had my three lower back teeth removed and gums stitched up. OMG I am starving. This list has helped me a lot. Before I found this list I made soft candy yams and soft shredded chicken with taco seasoning. That filled me up and kept me fool. U can try to eat it after the swelling goes down. Be sure to rinse ur mouth after.

Tabitha on August 01, 2016:

On day 4 after having wisdom teeth out. This list is a life saver.

Homemade spaghetti sauce sans noodles was really good. I also found that watermelon was soft enough to eat on about day 2 or 3.

Peppermint tea helps with the funky breath that seems to linger after oral surgery.

Always swish with salt water after eating to remove anything that gets stuck in the clots/holes.

Brittany W on July 27, 2016:

Just had all my top teeth removed yesterday....very helpful list...headed to the grocery store now (Im Starving)♡♡ :)

Jamie on July 18, 2016:

My son was an 18-year-old growing young man when he had his wisdom teeth removed. By the second day, he was starving. Many of the soft foods mentioned were good, but didn't fill him. I found that corned beef hash did the trick. I know it may not be the healthiest, but the meat and potatoes seemed to be the most filling for him.

Lana on July 16, 2016:

Just had all four wisdom teeth removed 3 days ago. Atleast this list offers some hot items. Tired of applesauce, jello and smoothies! Vienna sausages and soft cheese have been good too. I also read that crab cakes are ok...haven't tried it tho.

Tamika on July 12, 2016:

I had my upper and bottom wisdom teeth removed on Friday debating what I can have for dinner that is filling over liquids