Good oral care plays a vital role in your overall health and wellbeing, and this includes tooth removals. Various oral issues could require a person's wisdom tooth to be pulled out. 
So what is the connection between food and wisdom teeth removal- especially spicy foods? If you regularly eat spicy meals, your first concern will be whether you can eat spicy food after your wisdom tooth has been removed. Before answering this question, let's understand what the wisdom tooth is.
What is the wisdom tooth?
Also known as the third molars, wisdom teeth grow at the back of the gums and are usually the last set of teeth to emerge. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one at each end of the dental structure.
As mentioned earlier, people may have their wisdom teeth extracted for various reasons. The most important thing here is to ensure that you eat the right meals after your wisdom tooth removal.
Doing this will help minimize any risk of infection or complications while helping to reduce swelling and promote the healing process.
Can you eat spicy foods after tooth extraction?
After any tooth extraction procedure, you can eat. However, there are certain foods you need to stay away from between 24 to 72 hours, and spicy foods fall in this category. 
After you have your wisdom teeth removed, most dentists will advise you to stay away from all spicy foods. Here are some of the reasons why:
● Irritation: When spicy food reaches the exposed wound and gum, it can quickly irritate the oral mucosa, prolonging the healing process.
● Risk of swelling: Following the previous point, irritation to the mucosa can lead to blood flow locally and swelling later.
● Rebleeding: Swelling can also lead to bleeding in the extraction socket or, even worse, a case of Alveolar Osteitis or dry socket condition.
How long should you wait to start eating spicy food after tooth removal?
After the blood clot forms, it is essential to ensure that you don't disturb or dislodge the clot to promote quick healing. This healing process may take up to three days.
During this period, it is crucial to make sure you stay away from spicy food, brushing near the extracted area, drinking hot liquids, sucking on straws, rinsing vigorously, or even smoking. In short, avoid eating spicy foods for up to 72 hours after the tooth is removed.
What foods can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Immediately after a wisdom tooth removal and recovery, your safest option is to start with soft foods and liquid. The most important thing here is that you wouldn't have to chew such food, saving you pain in the process.
In this regard, you need to stay away from any form of hard food as such foods might damage the extracted site or leave food particles trapped in the, risking infection as a result.
Some of the foods you can eat during these 72 hours include the following:
● Smoothies
● Yogurt
● Apple sauce
● Mashed potatoes
● Broths and blended soups
● Pudding, ice cream, jello