Wisdom teeth extraction ranks in the top ten "rite of passage" experiences for most young adults. The entire experience is only complete when one considers the days following the procedure complete with chipmunk cheeks and thoughts of all forbidden foods.

While healing requires time, one may ensure a safe and speedy recovery by taking care to eat and drink foods and liquids considered nutritional and safe for the area healing. A liquid diet is imperative those first couple of days following surgery with the addition of soft foods to follow before resuming a normal diet. This approach will improve ones odds of having a quick and speedy recovery.

While some may feel less than eager to consume any food or liquid following the surgery, the immune system will need an extra boost of nutrients and vitamins to help the body fight against the risk of infection and aid in the healing process. During the first couple of days of recovery, one may choose to eat and/or drink from the following list of food items:

Milkshakes and/or soft serve ice cream
Liquid broth (tepid)
Frozen yogurt
Sherbet
Popsicles
Smooth yogurt - custard style
Pudding
Gelatin (Jello)
Applesauce
Juice (strained pineapple juice highly recommended for its healing properties)
Water with a tablespoon of lemon juice added provides a huge burst of Vitamin C aiding the immune system
Prepackaged protein drinks

Keep in mind the use of straws for consuming drinks is strictly prohibited during the healing process. Sipping drinks from a cup or using a spoon is best for the healing process.

As the healing process takes place, one should be able to add soft foods to the diet according to his/her surgeon's advice. Some of the more favored food items include:

Mashed potatoes
Creamed and regular soups
Soft steamed vegetables
Oatmeal
Rice pudding
Scrambled and soft-boiled eggs
Fruit smoothies
Chunky soup
Canned fruit
Steamed boned Fish
Cottage Cheese
Refried Beans
Boiled Potatoes
Pancakes

It is very important to rinse the area around the extraction site gently, for food particles may cause discomfort and even infection. The surgeon or dentist will explain the process for rinsing with you as a part of the post-operative instructions.

While this experience may seem to last forever, time actually passes by quickly. Before one knows it, the chipmunk cheeks and restricted diet become a part of the memorable stories many have to share about the, "time I got my wisdom teeth out."

Learn more about this author, Jackie Curtis.
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