What to Eat (and What to Avoid) After Oral Surgery
As your upcoming oral surgery procedure approaches, one of the best things you can do to prepare for your recovery is to stock your pantry and fridge with food you’ll need once you return home. You’ll be ready to rest on the couch, and having the right food options on hand will make recovery stress-free and smooth.
If you’re thinking that you’re set because your pantry is full of healthy food, take a moment to have a closer look at your inventory. When it comes to a post-surgery diet, soft foods are essential. While nutritious foods are important, soft foods will prevent damage to your gums and bone in the surgical area by reducing irritation. Read on to learn how follow a diet that’s both healthy and soft.
What to Eat After Oral Surgery
You’ll find that there is an abundance of delicious options that are on the food list. The trick is preparing them correctly. Soft and smooth is the name of the game.
Dairy reigns supreme.
Creamy foods, like ice cream, yogurt, and seedless smoothies, tend to be the most popular post-surgery foods because they are cool and soothing and don’t irritate the sensitive areas.
Soft fruit goes down easy.
Peaches, bananas, and applesauce are a few of the juicy fruits out there that are not only soft, but also nutritious. Combine them all in a smoothie for an extra refreshing snack.
Choose good carbs.
As most of us crave carbs, to round out your post-surgery diet, consider those that require less chewing, like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, yogurt and pudding. Even mac and cheese is an option as long as it’s sufficiently cooked and soft.
Eat your veggies.
The key to including vegetables in your diet is cooking them until they don’t require much chewing. Grill zucchini to ensure it’s soft, blend cauliflower after steaming, or enjoy your favorite soup.
What to Avoid After Oral Surgery
- Beware of foods that could aggravate your wound, the kind that can possibly irritate the surgical site.
- Small things like seeds, nuts, and popcorn that can get stuck or wedge in small areas.
- Spicy and acidic foods tend to irritate sensitive areas.
- Alcohol can dissolve your blood clot and adversely affect your medications.
- Smoking and using a straw can disrupt the healing where a clot is protecting the wound and cause a dry socket.
Take your time!
You’ve probably already been advised to rest and listen to your body as you recover. When you undergo a slightly invasive procedure, it’s important not to rush things. Equally paramount to aiding in proper healing by taking it easy is eating the right foods. Continuing with your busy routine and not paying attention to your body can lead to setbacks and infections that could prolong the entire recovery process. We look forward to discussing the details of a post-surgical diet during your pre-op appointment. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions.
