What can I eat on the third day after wisdom tooth extraction?

Oct 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, on the third day after wisdom tooth extraction, you can eat foods such as steamed egg custard, pumpkin puree, millet porridge, winter melon soup, and bananas. You may also take medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, and Kangfuxin solution as directed by your doctor. In daily life, you should also maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was extracted, and refrain from consuming excessively hot, hard, spicy, or irritating foods.

Generally, on the third day after wisdom tooth extraction, patients can consume soft foods such as steamed egg custard, pumpkin puree, millet porridge, winter melon soup, and bananas. Medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, and kangfuxin oral liquid may also be taken as directed by a physician. The details are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Steamed Egg Custard
Soft and tender in texture, it requires no chewing and will not irritate the extraction site. Rich in high-quality protein, it provides essential nutrients for tissue repair and promotes wound healing. It is also easy to digest and absorb, reducing gastrointestinal burden, making it ideal for the body's weakened state after surgery.

2. Pumpkin Puree
Made from steamed and mashed pumpkin, it has a smooth texture without coarse particles that could irritate the wound. It is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, helping replenish essential nutrients, promote intestinal motility, and prevent postoperative constipation caused by reduced physical activity.

3. Millet Porridge
After cooking, it has a soft and thin consistency with easily controlled temperature, gently nourishing the stomach and intestines while providing energy. Its high water content helps maintain hydration, supporting wound healing and avoiding irritation to the extraction site.

4. Winter Melon Soup
Cooked until soft, winter melon is easy to swallow, and the broth is mild with no spicy or irritating ingredients. It helps replenish fluids and vitamins. Additionally, winter melon has diuretic properties that support metabolism and reduce the risk of postoperative inflammation, making it suitable after surgery.

5. Banana
Ripe bananas are soft and can be eaten directly without chewing. They provide potassium and carbohydrates, helping relieve postoperative fatigue. The dietary fiber in bananas also helps prevent constipation, reducing the risk of wound bleeding due to straining during bowel movements.

II. Medications

1. Metronidazole Tablets
A nitroimidazole-class antibacterial agent effective against most anaerobic bacteria. It helps prevent and treat anaerobic infections at the extraction site, inhibits bacterial growth, reduces inflammation, and supports normal wound healing. Must be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

2. Amoxicillin Capsules
A penicillin-class antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is active against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. When used with metronidazole, it enhances anti-infective effects, preventing bacterial infection at the extraction site and avoiding worsening inflammation.

3. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules
Provides antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. It helps relieve pain and inflammatory responses after tooth extraction, reducing postoperative discomfort. The sustained-release formulation prolongs pain relief and maintains stable drug levels. Should be taken according to the prescribed dosage.

4. Compound Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
A combination preparation containing chlorhexidine and metronidazole. It kills various oral bacteria, reduces bacterial growth, and maintains oral hygiene to prevent wound infection. It should be swished in the mouth and then spit out—do not swallow—and should not be used with excessively hot liquid.

5. Kangfuxin Oral Liquid
Promotes blood circulation, nourishes yin, and supports tissue regeneration. It accelerates wound healing, reduces exudation, promotes granulation tissue growth at the extraction site, and alleviates redness, swelling, and pain. Can be taken orally or applied around the wound using a cotton swab.

In daily life, it is also important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on the side of the extraction, and refrain from consuming overly hot, hard, spicy, or irritating foods. Gently rinse the mouth with a mild mouthwash or warm salt water after meals. If severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or other abnormalities occur at the extraction site, seek medical attention promptly.