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I'm in a great deal of pain after my wisdom teeth were removed. Is there anything I can eat that will get me some quick relief? I don’t want to sit around and eating ice cream while I’m recovering because I know it will just make me feel gross after a few days.
If you’re wondering what to eat after wisdom teeth removal that will help you recover faster, provide instant relief for wisdom teeth pain, and give your body the nutrients it needs to repair itself, check out this wheatgrass smoothie recipe.
Why Wheatgrass Is Perfect for Wisdom Teeth Pain and Recovery
Chemicals in wheatgrass are said to increase the production of hemoglobin, which is the chemical in red blood cells that carry oxygen, thereby preventing tooth decay, improving wound healing, and preventing bacterial infections. Some studies have shown that wheatgrass helps with anemia and wound healing, but so far there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support this.
Wheat grass is high in Vitamin K, a blood-clotting agent. Blood-clotting is exactly what you want to happen when healing from wisdom teeth removal and can help speed up recovery. If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, however, you should not consume wheatgrass for this reason (see contraindications for wheatgrass below).
Wheatgrass is a nutrient dense food that is likely to make you feel better as you recover than eating a diet of strictly apple sauce and ice cream, as is the typical diet of people recovering from wisdom teeth extraction. Wheatgrass is dense in Vitamins A and C, which are scientifically proven to make your recovery from wisdom teeth extraction faster and smoother. Other vitamins in wheatgrass include Vitamins E, B12, K, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium.
After wisdom teeth removal, you must stick to a liquid or soft food diet for several days. Vitamin C aids in the maintenance and repair of gum and mouth tissues and getting plenty of Vitamin C is critical to having a shorter and smooth recovery.
You’re bound to feel puffy after wisdom teeth removal. Wheatgrass has anti-inflammatory chemicals that will soothe your inflamed, irritated gums from the wisdom teeth removal. The ice in the smoothie will also provide instant relief for puffy, sore gums, making this smoothie a great meal while you’re recovering from wisdom teeth removal.
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Benefits of Protein Powder
Throwing in a scoop or two of protein powder is a great way to feel full and get some protein while you’re stuck with an all liquid diet.
Preparation is easy. Just blend the ingredients below until smooth.
Ingredients
One orange, peeled
Splash of coconut water
One handful of wheatgrass
1/2 cup of ice
A few scoops of protein powder (optional)
Instructions
Throw the ingredients in a blender on the highest (or liquify) setting, until smooth. Make sure the ice is fully blended — you do not want any hard bits in your smoothie because you must avoid anything crunchy while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction.
Do not use a straw to drink your smoothie — use a spoon instead! Using a straw can cause a dry socket.
Contraindications for Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is not for everyone. If you take certain medications or have allergies or sensitives to wheatgrass, this smoothie might not work for you. See some of the contraindications for wheatgrass here.
This smoothie also happens to be something my wife makes for the girls and me. It’s a delicious way to start the day feeling healthy. My wife says this smoothie recipe has replaced her morning coffee because it actually gives her more energy.
Happy healing!
Dr. Mark Burhenne DDS
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