Need urgent help: Wisdom Tooth Surgery Post-op Diet - I can't eat

Hi guys.

I've been following the advice I was given by the surgeon precisely (rinse out mouth gently with warm salt water every two hours, avoid straws, avoid citrus, avoid hot drinks, avoid anything with 'bits').

I had a near miss a few months ago when my upper wisdom teeth were removed (via local anaesthetic by a dentist I've known for months and trust) where I nearly developed dry socket, and I'm absolutely terrified that'll happen again, only moreso as anything I eat/drink has to go past the gaps.

I was given dissolvable stitches durning the surgery, the problem is the surgeon rearranged half the skin on the inside of my cheeks to do it (the teeth were badly impacted and the rooms were sitting right on top of the nerve). The stitches on the right side of my mouth came loose and exposed the enormous gap within three days. The anaesthetic really did a number on me as I couldn't do anything but sleep or sip water during that time so I missed my 'window' to get a decent meal. After my family realised that I hadn't been eating they finally looked in my mouth (despite me begging them for ages) and discovered I had a ton of sores/ulcers from where my throat/tongue had been damaged during the operation.

I've already had one incident where I tried eating a banana only for a large amount to get stuck. I was freaking out for almost an hour before my mum managed to make me sit down long enough for her to help fish it out carefully with a toothpick (which didn't help my anxiety AT ALL).

NHS 111 advised I go see my dentist. I don't have a dentist. I've been on the waiting list for 3 years waiting for one. I also don't have the means or money to get to the emergency dentist that I trust, and no one to go with me as my whole family are working. It also turns out I was supposed to have been given a follow up appointment to make sure I was doing alright to avoid this exact scenario, only no one knows where I was meant to have this appointment as again I'm on the waiting list for a dentist.

I live in a village in the middle of nowhere, so even if I was physically and mentally capable of venturing out there's nowhere I can get ready made milkshakes or milkshake powder (I went into the only Co-Op for miles when I got desperate, no luck).

Hopefully my mum is finally taking me seriously as I had my first meltdown in over a year over this, and will help me get the blender replaced ASAP so I can at least have something. I hate how everyone around me (NHS in particular) seems to have an 'oh well' approach. I've explained my already limited diet to people to try and get help, but they don't seem to understand that all the 'food' they suggest makes me throw up. As if I'm being 'fussy' for the sake of it. I didn't chose to be stuck in a situation where my choices are a) starve or b) attempt to eat and puke what little I've been able to drink.

Hi, the advice about very gently swishing warm salty water around your mouth is good.  But please don't swish hard as you can dislodge the clot that forms after the extraction.  If this happens it's called a "dry extraction" + can be very painful + you should seek help if you suspect this has happened to you.  I think everyone who's replied has given you good advice so good luck in getting things sorted out.

All I have is sympathy.

Did they not suture the gums closed?

I had my lower two wisdom teeth out in febuary and they stiched the sockets closed for me to speed healing. I was eating about 3 days later, and well I basicly slept the first 2 of those solid.

Hi KaloJaro

I had two of my big molars out, and it was a couple of weeks before my mouth started to settle down.  

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, but only let it wash round your mouth gently, no gargling and swishing, just let it wash around and let it run out into the sink.  Do as often as you need to but don't swallow it.

I lived on milk shakes, ready made ones such as the ones in the chilled dairy section of the supermarket.  Also the ones you make yourself from powder, you can whisk them up in a large glass with a fork or a whisk.  You can get healthy milk shakes such as 'Build Up' or 'Complan' from the high street chemists which have all the nutrients and proteins you need, either ready made, or powder to make your own.

It's best not to use a straw to drink because the sucking could dislodge the blood clot out of the cavity.  

I was too scared to eat anything remotely solid when I had my teeth taken out, but once it has healed the area soon becomes strong.

Cephie is totally right NHS 111 is the place to start.

You have my sympathy, I had wisdom teeth out and it's grim but you will get through it. I used to have major phobia about hospital, dentists etc but wound up in A&E in January and had no choice but to let them get on with it. I was amazed that I managed to get through without ANY issues - I was put in a poisition of realising that I just had to let them do everything and that's what I did.

Just ring the NHS 111 and let them help you and just do what they say. You may want to advise them, at the start of the call, that you have Aspergers/Autism and they should deal with you appropriately.

can you call NHS111? they might be able to arrange for a Doc to visit, especially if you explain about your anxiety issues. Sounds to me like you need to eat something - maybe yogourt with fruit? I always use a straw when I have dental pain - which is a lot! - it helps me get it down. I can't give any medical adviced - but I was always told to rinse with salt water afer eating, after a tooth extraction. Warm-ish water is easier - and I guess without salt, if salt is painful on sores. Please try 111 and I hope you feel better soon