Hey there! If you’ve just had your wisdom teeth yanked out and you’re craving some delicious shrimp, I totally get it The question “can you eat shrimp after wisdom teeth removal?” is super common, and I’m here to give you the straight answer – yes, but timing is everything!
Let me break down everything you need to know about enjoying shrimp during your recovery journey
Quick Answer
You can eat shrimp after wisdom teeth removal, but not right away. Wait at least 7-10 days after surgery before trying shrimp. Even then, make sure it’s:
- Well-cooked and soft
- Cut into tiny pieces
- Not fried or heavily seasoned
- Carefully chewed away from the surgery sites
When Can You Start Eating Shrimp?
Here’s a timeline to help you understand when you can get back to enjoying your favorite seafood
Days 1-3:
- Stick to liquids and super soft foods only
- Think smoothies, yogurt, pudding, and broth
- No shrimp yet – your mouth needs time to heal!
Days 4-7:
- Start introducing softer foods
- Still no shrimp – it’s too early
- Focus on mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta
Day 7+ (If Healing Well):
- You can try soft, well-cooked shrimp
- Cut into very small pieces
- Stop if you feel any discomfort
2 Weeks+:
- Most people can return to normal eating
- Regular shrimp consumption usually OK
- Listen to your body and doctor’s advice
How to Prepare Shrimp Safely After Surgery
When you’re ready to eat shrimp, here’s how to make it surgery-site friendly:
-
Cook it Well
- Make sure it’s super tender
- Avoid any chewy textures
- Steam or boil instead of frying
-
Proper Preparation
- Remove all shells and tails
- Cut into tiny, manageable pieces
- Keep seasonings mild
-
Safety Tips
- Chew carefully and slowly
- Use the opposite side of your mouth from the surgery
- Stop if you feel any pain
What to Eat Instead of Shrimp (First Week)
While waiting to eat shrimp, here are some tasty alternatives:
Safe Foods:
- Yogurt and pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies (no straw!)
- Well-cooked pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Protein shakes
- Soft-cooked vegetables
Foods to Avoid:
- Crunchy foods
- Spicy dishes
- Seeds and nuts
- Hard or chewy meats
- Acidic foods
- Hot temperature foods
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
Want to get back to eating shrimp faster? Follow these recovery tips:
-
Keep it Clean
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions
- Don’t disturb the surgical sites
-
Stay Comfortable
- Use ice packs for swelling
- Take prescribed medications
- Keep your head elevated while resting
-
Watch for Warning Signs
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Bad taste or smell
- Call your dentist if these occur
Other Seafood Options
Wondering about other seafood? Here’s what’s generally OK after the first week:
Better Choices:
- Well-cooked, flaky fish (salmon, cod)
- Soft-cooked tuna
- Well-cooked scallops
Wait Longer For:
- Fried seafood
- Chewy octopus or squid
- Raw fish/sushi
- Crunchy fish tacos
Final Thoughts
Recovery from wisdom teeth surgery ain’t fun, but it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to shrimp forever! Just be patient, follow your dentist’s instructions, and ease back into your normal diet slowly.
Remember:
- Wait at least 7-10 days before trying shrimp
- Prepare it properly (soft, small pieces)
- Listen to your body
- When in doubt, ask your dentist!
Healing is different for everyone, so don’t rush it. Before you know it, you’ll be back to enjoying all your favorite seafood without worry. Keep it safe, and happy healing!
Would you like me to explain anything in more detail?
15 Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here are the top 10 foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal:
Blended soups, like tomato or pumpkin soup, are easy to eat and don’t contain pieces that could irritate the surgical site.
Additionally, soups are typically rich in vitamins and minerals. This helps you meet the daily nutrition recommendations when you can’t eat many whole fruits or vegetables.
Make sure your soups are either lukewarm or cold. Hot soups can cause irritation. You should also blend vegetable soups well to avoid chunks.
Broths are also an excellent source of nutrition after wisdom tooth surgery. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Likewise, broths help you stay hydrated.
Bone broth is a type of broth renowned for its health benefits. It is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue.
While there are no direct studies on the health effects of bone broth, research on the components of bone broth shows it may have anti-inflammatory benefits.2
Be sure to consume broths lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating the extraction site.
Greek yogurt is a nutritious and high-protein food that is easy to eat following wisdom teeth surgery. It provides a creamy and smooth texture that can help soothe and numb the mouth.
Greek yogurt is rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins like calcium and zinc.
High-protein foods also help the recovery process. Some studies have linked a low-protein diet to a slower recovery.4 Additionally, studies show that zinc may promote wound healing.
Mashed potatoes can be a comforting food after having wisdom teeth removed. They are rich in calories and nutrients, which are essential for recovery.
Patients have slightly higher energy requirements following surgery. Mashed potatoes allow you to consume plenty of nutrients and energy in just a few bites. This is helpful if you are struggling to eat enough food.
Scrambled eggs are easier to chew and swallow than fried eggs.
Eggs are also a source of high-quality protein. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
When purchasing eggs, look for pasteurized or omega-3-enriched varieties. Omega-3 fats may help with wound healing.5
Apples are hard and crunchy. This is not ideal after having your wisdom teeth removed.
However, eating applesauce is one way to increase your fruit intake while avoiding irritation.
Applesauce is made from pureed apples, an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin helps boost the immune system and aids in wound healing.6
The soft texture of bananas makes them easy to chew and swallow after wisdom teeth removal.
Mashing bananas can soften the texture even more.
Bananas are also very nutritious and provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including:
Smoothies are an excellent way to boost your health when you cannot eat a solid meal. They are easy to drink and are highly versatile.
You can change the smoothie ingredients to suit your tastes and meet your nutrition goals. Adding some fruit and vegetables also improves their nutritional value.
Hummus is an excellent soft-food option after wisdom teeth removal. It’s full of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and plant protein. You can buy pre-made hummus from most supermarkets or make it at home.
However, don’t eat hummus with chips or pita bread. Their crunchy texture can damage the extraction site.
Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat. This flaky fish is also excellent to eat after wisdom teeth removal because its soft and easy to chew.
Wild-caught salmon is high in protein and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.
These fats may help with wound healing by reducing inflammation. This is especially if you already have low omega-3 fatty acid levels.
While inflammation is essential for wound healing, excess inflammation can affect recovery if it lasts too long.7
Avocados are another great option for soft foods. They are creamy, delicious, and contain nutrients that promote good health.
They are high in potassium, magnesium, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support overall well-being and wont hurt your recovery.
Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food. However, oatmeal is also a great option for soft foods after wisdom teeth removal.
This grain is rich in fiber and other important nutrients. Fiber promotes digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer. Eating instant oatmeal is recommended since its less chewy than regular oatmeal.
Protein shakes are a quick and convenient way to get nutrients if you cant chew anything after wisdom tooth removal. They provide extra protein, and you can mix up any kind of milk with different flavors.
You can also blend your protein shakes with a banana or avocado for a more filling and nutritious meal. The extra protein can also help with recovery.3
Hard or Difficult-to-Chew Foods
Food thats difficult to chew can re-open the stitches and delay healing. For instance, eating chewy candy can cause swelling and irritation.
It also increases your risk of biting your cheek, lips, and tongue. This will make it harder for you to heal properly.
Can I Eat Shrimp After Wisdom Teeth Removal | Let’s Find Out
FAQ
Can you eat seafood after wisdom teeth removal?
Protein-rich foods: Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing. Include foods like fish, chicken, tofu, beans, and lentils in your meals.
Can I eat shrimp after teeth cleaning?
While shrimp and salmon are excellent options, other types of seafood can also be beneficial after a dental checkup. Tuna: Canned or fresh tuna is easy to prepare and offers a soft texture, making it gentle on your teeth. Tilapia: This mild-flavored fish is soft and flaky, perfect for sensitive mouths.
Can I eat shrimp after dental implant surgery?
Softly cooked vegetables (cauliflower, cauliflower, carrot, potato, pumpkin …), minced meat, shrimp, fish, squid …), fruit juices , Grains (green beans, black beans, rice, peanuts …) should be eaten after the wound has stabilized.
When can I eat French fries after wisdom tooth removal?
When Can You Eat Fries After Teeth Extraction? The best part about teeth extraction is that you do not have to wait too long to enjoy your favorite fries! Give it a few days, and when you are comfortable enough, start eating them. For many people, this could be as early as one week after the surgery.
Can you eat fish after wisdom tooth removal?
Fish is soft and flaky, making it a perfectly safe soft food to eat after wisdom tooth removal or other dental extractions. You can also do crab or crab cakes, as long as the breading isn’t heavy. But your best bet is a straight-up baked or grilled fillet without a lot of extras.
Should you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Although having your wisdom teeth removed is a very common dental procedure, it is important to carefully follow aftercare guidelines to prevent complications or infections to the area. One of the biggest things to pay attention to following your wisdom teeth removal is the foods that you should and shouldn’t eat.
Can you eat ramen after wisdom tooth removal?
Because of this, you must allow your ramen to cool off before you dive in! In addition to carefully selecting the foods that you eat during your recovery, there are several other steps you can take to properly care for your mouth following your wisdom tooth removal.
Can you eat rice after wisdom teeth removal?
While rice may seem like the optimal recovery food, it’s not something that should be included in your diet during your wisdom tooth recovery. Rice or other grains such as quinoa can easily become stuck in the extraction site, elevating your risk of infection. Can You Eat French Fries After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Can you eat chips after wisdom tooth removal?
Just say no! Popcorn, chips, firm meats, and even crunchy fruits and vegetables need to be set aside until your wisdom tooth recovery is complete. You can go back to eating them within a week or two. Avoid these liquids for at least the first 3-4 days after your wisdom tooth removal.
Can you eat mashed potatoes after wisdom teeth removal?
Mashed Potatoes Mashed potatoes can be a comforting food after having wisdom teeth removed. They are rich in calories and nutrients, which are essential for recovery. Patients have slightly higher energy requirements following surgery. Mashed potatoes allow you to consume plenty of nutrients and energy in just a few bites.