October 28, 2022
Oral surgeries are painful experiences. Changing your diet and adjusting to your new dental conditions is essential. The food you eat after surgery should be soft and easy to swallow. You need minimal effort on your teeth and gums to let them heal properly.
Foods to eat after oral surgery
The following are the best foods to eat after oral surgery:
- Applesauce: Fresh apples after surgery can harm your teeth. An excellent and delicious alternative is applesauce. Make your own by cooking apples until tender and blending them. A dash of cinnamon can add to the taste as well.
- Avocado: Avocados are considered a superfood by most nutritionists, which are an excellent source of Vitamins C, K, and Potassium. Mash them or combine them with cottage cheese for additional texture.
- Bananas: Bananas are delicious in any form. They are also soft and best after post-surgery. You can add bananas to your smoothie or yogurt or mash them for some extra potassium in your diet.
- Broth & Soups: When you need a little more substance, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth will work. Homemade bone broth gives the most nutrients, but store-bought varieties are an easy alternative. These are great for an effortless burst of nutrients and hydration. When it comes to soups after surgery, blended is best. Tomato and pumpkin are excellent choices, but eat them at a comfortable temperature. Hot soups might bother the treatment areas.
- Cheese: This is an excellent protein source while also easy to eat. Mix with soft fruit or vegetables for more filling food, or add it to scrambled eggs for a fantastic breakfast.
- Custard/ Pudding: Usually made with 4-6 ingredients, the custard is an easy sweet treat you can enjoy after oral surgery. It takes time and patience, so feel free to grab a pre-made version from the grocery store instead.
- Eggs: Eggs are an easy protein source and easy to eat. After dental surgery, you can eat your eggs scrambled or over easy. You can buy enriched varieties that give you a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fish: Both tuna and salmon can be prepared quickly. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lessen inflammation. A balanced, simple-to-eat meal can be created by pairing soft vegetables with a simple carb choice.
- Ice Cream: One of the best foods after oral surgery is ice cream or frozen yogurt for its soft texture. Skip the crunchy toppings and allow your ice cream to soften rather than eating it directly from the freezer.
- Jell-O: This is the classic go-to food after oral surgery. It is cheap, easy to make, and comes in a ton of beautiful flavors.
- Juice & Smoothies: Stay hydrated and replenish nutrients with fresh, 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Sweet fruits like pineapples, pears, and apples make sweet fresh juice without sugar. Making juices and smoothies is a breeze, especially if you have a juicer at home.
- Mashed Potatoes: This is the best comfort food. Mashed potatoes are an excellent carbohydrate source and incredibly versatile. Enjoy them with butter or with sour cream for some added calories.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a good food after dental surgery. Try cooking your oats in coconut or almond milk to give a modern touch to your porridge. Adding mashed bananas brings additional nutrients to this breakfast or snack.
- Peanut Butter: Eat spoonfuls of peanut butter from the jar or add it to fruit or smoothies. Peanut butter is nutrient-rich and delicious. Avoid the crunchy variety to avoid the chunks getting stuck between your teeth.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is the best variety. It is delicious and creamy, and also high in zinc. This powerful nutrient promotes the wound-healing process.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve just had oral surgery, it is best to stick to soft foods that do not require much effort to chew. Choose nutrient-rich and soft-textured food to help your body heal smoothly. Talk to your dentist about your dietary requirements and preferences.