Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that involves the extraction of one or more of the third molars located at the back of the mouth. In fact, it has become a rite of passage for many young adults whose wisdom teeth have become impacted due to crowding.
While the procedure is generally safe, it can cause discomfort, swelling, and pain during the post-surgery recovery period. The recovery can be a troublesome and problematic experience as there are many food that you need to avoid. Many people have questions about what they can and cannot eat after having their wisdom teeth removed, and one popular question often pops up: can I eat candy after wisdom teeth removal?
It is generally not recommended that you eat candy immediately after wisdom teeth removal. Eating hard, chewy, or sticky food can cause pain, discomfort and irritation to the surgical site. After a week or two, you can gradually return to your normal diet (which includes candy) when the wound has sufficiently healed and you feel safe to do so.
Risk of Eating Candy After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Having candy immediately after wisdom teeth removal is not recommended by dentists and oral surgeon as there are several risks that can complicate the healing and cause an infection.
Firstly, the eating of a hard candy can cause the blood clot that formed after the surgery to be dislodged. This blood clot is essential during the recovery period as it covers the wound and protect it from bacteria and other harmful substances. When the blood clot is dislodged or dissolved, the underlying bone and nerves are exposed to the harsh elements of the mouth. This painful condition is known as dry socket.
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Secondly, the stickiness of a candy can cause it to get stuck in the extraction site. When this happens, it can lead to significant discomfort and delay the healing process. In some cases, it can lead to an infection. Additionally, candy contains a high amount of sugar, which can exacerbate the infection and cause medical complications such as sepsis.
When to Reintroduce Candy Into Your Diet
It is crucial that you wait till your surgical wound has fully healed before you reintroduce candy or any hard, sticky food into your diet. In general, it takes between one to two weeks for the blood clot to fully form and the wound to heal. However, the length of recovery varies depending on the health of the individual as well as the complexity of the extraction.
After the wisdom teeth removal surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions on post-surgery care. For the first two weeks after the procedure, stick to a soft food diet to minimize irritation to the surgical wound as well as the risk of an infection. You should avoid any hard, spicy, or acidic food as it can interfere with the recovery.
As the healing progress, you can slowly reintroduce semi-solid food such as ground meat, fruits, and mashed potatoes. Your dentist or oral surgeon will assess the recovery of your wound and provide personalized recommendations on the introduction of more solid food back into your diet.
Eventually, when the wound has healed completely, you should be able to have your favourite candies again!
Other Sweet Food to Have
During the recovery period after wisdom teeth removal, you should not consume any hard, sticky, or chewy candies as it can hinder your recovery. However, that does not mean you can’t enjoy other tasty and sweet snacks. Here are some sweet food options that are less likely to irritate your wound:
- Ice cream: This classic treat is a favorite for a reason. It’s soft, creamy, and cold, which can help soothe any discomfort you may be experiencing. Just be sure to stick to flavors that don’t have any chunks or pieces that could get stuck in your extraction sites.
- Smoothies: If you’re looking for something a little more nutritious, a smoothie can be a great choice. You can blend up your favorite fruits and veggies with some yogurt or milk for a sweet and satisfying drink.
- Applesauce: If you’re craving something fruity, applesauce is a great option. It’s soft and smooth, and it won’t require any chewing. If you are buying from the supermarket, be sure to select the apple sauce product with less sugar.
- Jello: Gelatin desserts like Jello are a popular choice for people recovering from wisdom teeth removal. They’re soft and jiggly, which makes them easy to have without chewing.
- Pudding: Another creamy dessert that’s gentle on your mouth is pudding. Whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor, it’s a great option for a sweet snack that won’t irritate your gums.
Takeaway
To conclude, it is best to avoid candy after wisdom teeth removal, especially in the first week when your wound is still healing. Candies that are hard, chewy, or sticky can easily get stuck in the extraction sites, which can delay the healing process. This can escalate to a dry socket and cause immense pain if the blood clot is dislodged from the socket.
Instead, opt for soft and gentle sweet foods like ice cream, pudding, smoothies, applesauce, or milkshakes. Last but not least, always followyour dentist or oral surgeon’s instruction as they are able to provide professional advice based on the condition of your surgical wound.
