Did you recently have your wisdom tooth extracted? If so, keep reading! Although this is a common surgical procedure, the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal is highly painful and affects our eating regime or diet!
Considering that you have an open wound in your mouth, it is crucial to take care of it, and one of the steps includes eating foods that will not irritate the extraction site and cause additional problems.
That is why people often ask, “When can I eat chicken after wisdom teeth removal? Or “When can I eat chips after wisdom teeth removal? So, let’s check it out!
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What I Need to Know!
Before diving into this article’s main dilemma, let’s go through some basic information regarding wisdom teeth removal! Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, located at the back of your mouth, and are the last teeth to erupt.
Wisdom teeth usually erupt in the period between the age of 17 and 25. It usually takes a few weeks for the wisdom tooth or teeth to erupt. Why are these teeth so problematic?
Eruption of teeth (teething) is very uncomfortable and ridden with discomfort and an occasional headache, coupled with pain in the neck. Considering that they erupt last; usually, there is not enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth to grow normally.
On the other hand, wisdom teeth removal is considered a surgical procedure and, as such, includes local anesthesia and stitches.
After the surgery, you can expect a sore and stiff jaw, mild bruising, discoloration, and swelling of the cheek and mouth.
Can I Eat Chicken After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Chicken is one of the most consumed meats and the most popular source of protein in the US in the last decades. This means that chicken is regularly consumed on a daily basis and it is hard not to eat it!
So, people would like to know when they can eat chicken and how they need to prepare it. The answer is that consuming chicken in the first 24 h after the wisdom tooth extraction is not a good idea. Why?
Chicken has a lot of woody fibrous tissue, which makes the meat a bit sturdy and tough! On the other hand, sturdy and tough means a lot of chewing, which you will not be able to do in the first 24 hours without pain and discomfort.
Also, most people like to eat chicken that is crispy deep-fried, or egg-fried, which is again delicious but crunchy. The general rule regarding diet for the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal is to avoid food that involves much chewing.
When Can I Eat Chicken After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
So, chicken should be avoided for at least three days after wisdom teeth removal. However, that depends on your particular pace of recovery and the chicken dish!
As mentioned, we mostly eat crunchy and crispy chicken, which you should avoid for at least four days or even longer after the oral surgery. If you feel fine, the wound has started to heal, and there is no dry socket, you may eat soft and tender chicken after three to four days.
Try to eat chicken soups with veggies and pieces of tender meat. You will have to adjust your eating habits for a couple of days, or even two weeks.
Even though you may be tempted, spicy chicken is also ‘off limits’, because the spices can easily irritate the gums, and lo and behold, end up in the extraction site! Imagine some chili in your extraction site! That hurts!
What Should I Consume 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Every dentist will suggest avoiding solid foods in the first 24 hours after the extraction and sometimes for even longer. Some people can heal in a week, while the general recovery process is around two weeks.
So, if you want to heal faster, you must stick to the guidelines and recommendations given by your dentist. The good or bad thing (depending on how you perceive it) is that you will not be able to eat after the surgery.
When the anesthetic wears off, you will feel excruciating pain, which usually messes up people’s appetite. So, in the first 24 hours, stick to soft food such as mashed potatoes, soups, broths, oatmeal, applesauce, pudding, hummus, and similar food.
Generally, soups are often the best choice because they do not involve chewing, and you can stack a lot of veggies and even noodles in the chicken to make the meal more calorie-dense.
Cream tomato soups or any other will do the trick, depending on your taste!
Can I Develop a Dry Socket After Eating Chicken?
Most people ask about the consequences after wisdom tooth removal, and one of those includes a dry socket, so what is that? You have probably heard about this dry socket complication, which develops after permanent teeth extractions.
After the surgery, you will have an open wound that exposes bone, and often, this bone can stick out, which is normal for these surgeries. In a normal recovery process, the blood clot will develop at the excavation site, which protects the exposed bone.
The chances of getting a dry socket are higher if the excavation site is larger, usually with wisdom teeth or third molars.
When it comes to eating chicken after wisdom teeth removal, it is unlikely to cause a dry socket, but the possibility of that happening is still on the table!
The issue with chicken is that it can easily get stuck in the excavation site and then dislodge the blood clot.
Generally, food particles can get lodged in the excavation site and irritate the area, which will be swollen and highly sensitive.
Infections after the recovery are usually rare, but that does not mean they cannot happen! In addition, the chicken can introduce new bacteria to the excavation site, resulting in tooth decay over time.
Wisdom Teeth Excavation: Aftercare and Recovery
The aftercare and recovery depend on your diet and dental care during the healing process. Although people think that because you have an open wound in your mouth, you can just let it heal on its own.
The surgeon uses sutures to secure the excavation site, but they also help with the healing process. However, you still need to take care of the wound. How?
In the first 24 hours, do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth! Avoid touching the excavation site with your tongue. During the first 24 hours, you should avoid rigorous rinsing and brushing your teeth, especially near the area.
It is recommended that you gently rinse the mouth with warm salt water or chamomile tea, which promotes healing and has antibacterial properties. Day after that, you can go back to your usual dental routine but be gentle when brushing around the excavation site.
After two or three days, depending on the recovery, you can use a toothbrush with softer bristles and gently go over the sutures to remove any food residue. Do not worry; the sutures will start to dissolve after a week or two!
Regarding food, we have already mentioned that you avoid meats because they involve a lot of chewing- so beef, chicken, and pork are off the table. During this healing period, it is also vital that you eat food high in calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Don’t forget about the ice cream, and other dairy products, such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese which are all good to consume after the surgery!
Can I Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
One of the common questions regarding wisdom teeth removal is whether you can smoke afterward! The answer is no, although most smokers tend to ignore it.
Smoking generally is not beneficial for our health; the same goes for your extraction site. Cigarette smoke contains toxins that will delay the healing process and result in costly consequences.
Smoking can result in dry sockets because inhaling and sucking smoke can dislodge the blood clot and expose the bone to the chemical toxin.
According to a study, non-smokers have a 4% chance of developing a dry socket, while smokers have around 12% risk.
To conclude, avoid smoking (if you can) for at least 4 to 5 days after the surgery. However, if you cannot resist, then at least wait a few hours before you do. It is important that you do not smoke in the 30 minutes while the gauze pad is on your extraction site.
After smoking, gently wash and rinse your mouth.
Conclusion
To summarize, chicken can be consumed three to four days after wisdom teeth removal. Keep in mind that people have different paces of recovery, and for some, it may take longer.
When we say eating chicken, we do not mean the crispy and crunchy chicken from KFC, but tender, soft and shredded chicken, which will not greatly irritate the site.
When did you have your tooth extracted, and how is your recovery going? Please share your opinion with us! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!
