Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, but the recovery process means changing up your diet for a little while. Hard, crunchy foods like chips can be dangerous and painful to eat immediately after surgery.
When Can I Eat Chips Again?
Most dentists recommend avoiding hard foods for the first 24-48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. This allows time for the surgical site to begin healing and reduces chances of dislodging the blood clot.
Here’s a general timeline for eating chips after surgery:
- Days 1-2: Stick to a liquid diet of things like smoothies, yogurt, apple sauce. Absolutely no chips or other crunchy foods.
- Days 3-5: You can graduate to soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, eggs. Still avoid chips and other hard foods during this time.
- Day 6: You may be able to try soft chips or crackers at this point, but take small bites and stop if you feel pain.
- Day 7: Most people can return to eating chips and other crunchy foods around day 7, depending on healing.
The most important thing is listening to your body and not eating any foods that cause pain or discomfort. If in doubt, stick to soft foods a bit longer until you’re confident your mouth has healed.
Other Tips for Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Here are some other tips for a smooth recovery:
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed to manage discomfort.
- Rinse your mouth gently with salt water to keep the area clean.
- Avoid spitting excessively as this can dislodge blood clots.
- Drink lots of fluids and eat vitamin-rich soft foods like eggs or yogurt.
- Don’t brush directly over the surgery site for a few days. Gently brush other teeth.
- Follow up with your dentist about recovery timeline and guidance.
The weeks following wisdom teeth extraction require some patience. Avoiding chips and other crunchy, hard foods can seem difficult but is an important step in proper healing. Listen to your body, stick to soft foods, and gradually work chips back into your diet over time.
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This article is reviewed by Russel, before publishing. If you have any doubt, you can contact us or consult with your nearby doctor. Remember, in medical matters, there is no same advice, cure, and medicine for all.