Wondering what’s on the menu after fixing your teeth? Knowing what to eat after oral surgery is crucial for a speedy recovery. From soothing soups to creamy smoothies, here’s how to keep your taste buds happy during the healing process.
Why Is Knowing What to Eat After Oral Surgery Important for Recovery
Getting the right nutrients is vital to your overall well-being. While this is always the case, it’s especially crucial after you’ve got some dental work done. Treatments such as wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, or dental implants can make your mouth pretty sensitive during the healing period.
To feel at ease during this process, knowing what to eat after oral surgery with stitches or incisions is key. Moreover, getting proper nutrients will help you have a speedy recovery. Because of that, stocking up your fridge with soft foods is one of the most important parts of your surgery preparation. Of course, your Charlotte dentist in South Park will provide you with plenty of post-op tips to have a completely stress-free experience throughout the whole ordeal.
What Should You Avoid at All Costs?
Your mouth will be at its most sensitive after the procedure. This means any hard, sticky, or crunchy foods are off the menu. Here’s what you should avoid at all costs:
- Hard-to-chew foods such as chips, nuts, and raw vegetables,
- Grains and seeds, including rice and quinoa,
- Acidic or spicy foods, including citrus smoothies.
What About Drinking Liquids?
Besides your diet, hydration is vital for a speedy recovery. Drink plenty of fluids during this time, but make sure not to use a straw. Sucking through a straw creates negative pressure, which can compromise the results of your treatment.
What Are Some Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery?
When you’re healing from dental surgery, you need foods that are easy to consume and gentle on your mouth, as well as rich in nutrients crucial for a smooth recovery. This includes protein, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and others – the more the merrier. Let’s take a look at some nutrient-rich meals that should definitely be on the menu during this time.
Your Smoothie Blender Is Your New Best Friend
Say hello to your new best friend – your trusty blender! Smoothies are a literal lifesaver post-op, blending different flavors into a delicious, easy-to-eat treat. You can even add some Greek yogurt or protein powder to amp up the nutrients.
Just remember to skip the seedy fruits – no strawberries or kiwis allowed! Instead, go for smooth and tasty options like bananas, which you can eat normally as well. Peaches, nectarines, and plums are also nice snacks, keeping you healthy and satisfied throughout your recovery.
Oatmeal and Scrambled Eggs Are Excellent Breakfast Options
We all know that famous saying – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you’re healing from dental work, it can get a bit tricky to figure out exactly what you can eat in the morning.
Good news – oatmeal can still be your breakfast hero. Just make sure to go for instant oats, as they’re softer and mushier than the steel-cut ones. Scrambled eggs are another great option, and they’re packed with nutrients needed to heal.
Treat Yourself to Some Ice Cream – You Deserve It!
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Well, now you have the perfect excuse to indulge in it! It’s the perfect sweet treat that won’t bother your healing mouth. Plus, the cold can help soothe any discomfort. Just avoid the crunchy cones and the flavors with crunchy bits!
Creamy Cheeses Are Safe and Delicious to Eat
Soft and creamy cheeses such as brie, chevre, camembert, and gorgonzola can stay on the menu. Skip the hard crackers, but feel free to add some seedless jams and jellies to your cheese plate. And don’t forget cottage cheese – it’s packed with vitamins and protein, making it the perfect post-op snack.
You Can Still Eat Your Favorite Vegetables by Making Blended Soups
Just like smoothies, pureed soups are a flavor-packed, versatile option for recovery meals. They deliver tons of nutrients from whole foods that might be too tough to eat otherwise. Obviously, you should make sure your veggies are fully blended with no hard chunks or seeded fruits. Also, eat them lukewarm instead of hot to avoid any discomfort.
You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye to Pasta – Just Make Sure It’s Nice and Mushy!
Life is wonderful because you can still eat pasta even after your treatment! But skip the al dente and cook it until it’s soft and a bit mushy, creating the perfect base for all kinds of blended sauces. You can even add soft tofu to get your protein fix. It provides carbs, fats, and essential amino acids vital for the healing process.
Salmon With Avocado or Mashed Potatoes Is Another Delicious Option
Salmon is very soft and has almost unlimited health benefits. You can grill, smoke, bake, or broil it – the only thing you should avoid is the crispy skin. Pair your salmon with avocado for a nutritious boost, as it’s packed with healthy fats that will help you recover quickly. And don’t forget mashed potatoes – they’re the perfect side dish to any meal.
At Aspire Dental Wellness, Your Comfort Is Our Top Priority
Comfort is crucial during recovery, and having the right diet is a big part of that. However, your Charlotte, NC, dentist is here to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way, right from your first consultation. Contact us today and let our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, show you a completely new side of dentistry, one that’s as cozy as your favorite meal on a chilly day.
