After wisdom teeth removal, your diet should focus on soft, nutrient-rich foods that require little to no chewing to allow your jaw and gum tissue to rest.

### Recommended Foods

1. Dairy: Yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, and milkshakes (ensure they have no seeds or crunchy mix-ins).
2. Grains/Starches: Oatmeal, soft pasta, and creamy mashed potatoes.
3. Fruits: Applesauce, smoothies, and mashed bananas.
4. Proteins: Scrambled eggs, soft flaked fish (like salmon), and protein shakes.
5. Liquids: Lukewarm broth, blended soups, and plenty of water for hydration.

### Foods and Habits to Avoid

• Hard and Crunchy Foods: Hard cheeses, ice cream with chunks, rice, bread, crackers, and chips can lodge in the extraction socket.
• Tough Proteins: Steak, chicken, nuts, and seeds require too much chewing force.
• Irritants: Spicy or acidic foods, citrus, and fruits with small seeds (like berries).
• Hot Liquids: Avoid hot soups or drinks, as heat can dissolve the protective blood clot.
• Straws: Do not use a straw for at least one week. The suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.

### Timeline for Returning to Normal Eating

• Days 1–2: Stick strictly to liquids and very soft foods.
• Days 3–7: Gradually add semi-soft options like well-cooked pasta, chewing away from the surgical site.
• Week 2: You can typically begin testing firmer textures. Most patients can eat a burger by the two-week mark if they avoid biting directly into it and chew on the opposite side.