Can you eat pho after wisdom teeth removal?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can you eat pho after wisdom teeth removal?”. We will also discuss the benefits of eating pho after the removal of the wisdom teeth and which foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal.

Pho is a vietnamese soup which belongs to the category of liquid foods. Liquid foods are appropriate after wisdom teeth removal and can be consumed on the following days after the surgery.

Can you eat pho after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, you can eat pho after wisdom teeth removal. Eating pho after wisdom teeth removal is one of the best choices you can make, because it is a liquid food option and does not require much chewing (2). 

In addition, pho is prepared with star anise and other spices, rich in essential oils which are considered to have antioxidant properties (1,4).

Antioxidants may favor the healing process after an oral surgery (5).

Why is pho a good option after the wisdom teeth removal?

Pho is a good option after the wisdom teeth removal due to its ingredients, which are rich in antioxidants. The spices in the soup added to the nutrients in the meat or chicken broth can reduce infections, improve the healing process and prevent malnutrition (3).

It has been reported in studies that after wisdom teeth removal surgery, many patients tend to reduce their food intake, which can lead to malnutrition. 

Due to the difficulty of chewing and due to the pain caused by the surgery, some individuals cannot maintain an adequate diet and calories, which are necessary to an adequate recovery (5).

Pho contains nutrients, such as carbohydrates from the noodles, proteins and fats from the chicken broth and several vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices (6). 

What are the properties of the ingredients in pho?

The following properties are attributed to the ingredients of pho soup (1,2,3,5,6):

Star anise: has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can help the healing process and prevent infections

Cinnamon: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is reported to have a positive effect on the immune system, which is very important to accelerate the recovery process

Shallots: contain vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and helps lowering the bleeding, as well improve the immune system

Chicken broth: contains fats and proteins, provide energy which is essential to prevent malnutrition and calorie deficit after the surgery

Which foods can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?

You should eat soft foods and preferentially cold foods that are easy to swallow (2,3). 

Soups, broths, eggs, mashed potatoes, ice cream, mashed bananas, smoothies, and other soft foods can be considered for a few days after wisdom teeth removal.

Is it safe to eat pho after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, eating pho after wisdom teeth removal is safe, as long it is not taken hot and not added with hard ingredients. Avoid hard chewing ingredients such as meat pieces and hard cooked vegetables. A soft diet should be followed for several days after the surgery (2).

Allow the vegetables to cook till a soft consistency and consume low-warm to reduce the risk of bleeding (3). 

In addition, avoid adding ginger, as it can favor bleeding (1).

How to prepare pho?

To prepare a pho for 4 people you will need (6): 

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
  • 5 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/2 cinnamon stick
  • 3/4 pound fresh Chinese egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 pound amaranth, tough stem ends discarded and cut into 4-inch pieces

Directions:

Add oil in a pan and heat to medium-high heat. Cook the shallots for about 15 seconds and add the broth. Let boil and reduce the heat, letting it simmer. Add the star anise, and cinnamon stick, cover and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with the spices. 

Add the fish sauce and salt to the broth and remove the cinnamon stick and star anise.  Add the amaranth and allow to cook down for about 1 minute.

Aside, cook the noodles in a large pan of boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes till they are soft and then drain. Add the cooked noodles in the broth. 

Serve the pho on the soup plate and wait till it is cooled down. Do not consume it hot. 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can you eat pho after wisdom teeth removal?” We also discussed the benefits of eating pho after the removal of the wisdom teeth and which foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal. 

Citation

  1. Chempakam, B., and S. Balaji. Star anise. Chemistry of spices. Wallingford UK: CABI, 2008. 319-330.
  2. Bodner, Lipa, Peter A. Brennan, and Niall M. McLeod. Characteristics of iatrogenic mandibular fractures associated with tooth removal: review and analysis of 189 cases. Brit J Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, 2011, 49, 567-572.
  3. Lau, Beatrice Y., et al. Dietary strategies to optimize wound healing after periodontal and dental implant surgery: an evidence-based review. open dentist j, 2013, 7, 36.
  4. Assiry, A. A., et al. Crossover Analysis of the Astringent, Antimicrobial, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Illicium verum/Star Anise in the Oral Cavity. Biomed Res Int, 2021, 5510174-5510174.
  5. Taniguchi, Shinichi, et al. Factors associated with a reduced food intake after third molar extraction among adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Oral Health, 2022, 22, 120.
  6. Deseran, S. Asian Vegetables, Noodle soup with amaranth. 2001. Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition.

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