Common oral surgery procedures such as tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, and the fitting of dental implants require you to watch what you eat and drink after the surgery — but choosing the right food and drink can be a challenging task.
Since you might be temporarily incapacitated after your oral surgery procedure due to anesthesia, it is possible you will not be able to drive or travel to buy food. Be sure to prepare ahead of time by purchasing foods that you will be able to eat in the days, and sometimes weeks, after surgery. Although your oral surgeon will take you through the basic foods and beverages you are allowed to consume, consider this guide as a checklist of what to eat and, more importantly, what not to eat.
Drink water
Staying hydrated is crucial after any major or minor surgery. Sip on a little more water than your normal daily amount to flush food particles away from the affected area. Drinking fluids following oral surgery will also speed up the healing process and help to prevent conditions like dry socket.
However, when drinking liquids, do so by sipping on a cup or bottle. Do not use a straw, as the suction could dislodge any dressings on the wound.
Foods to eat
Dentists recommend soft foods that are easily ingestible. These include:
- Creamy soups and broths
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Mashed potatoes and other vegetables
- Yogurt
- Avocado
- Scrambled Eggs
Smoothies
Although smoothies are a great option for your recovery period, steer clear of blending fruits with small seeds. Blackberries and strawberries have seeds that can get stuck in open wounds and cause complications. Also, consider adding protein powder to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Mashed vegetables
Mashed vegetables such as peas, carrots and butternut squash are a soft and nutritious substitute for carbohydrate-heavy mashed potatoes.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a healthy food that is high in protein. The protein kicks your recovery into high gear and aids in healing. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals like zinc and calcium.
Foods and beverages to avoid
- Alcohol
- Crunchy food
- Popcorn
- Rice
- Spicy foods which can aggravate the wound
Alcohol
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is usually prohibited following any procedure. Alcohol can interfere with postoperative medication and can cause dehydration, which in turn slows the healing process.
Rice
Grains like rice can get wedged into the wound, much like the small seeds in strawberries. If you are craving carbohydrates, go with a softer option like macaroni and cheese.
The bottom line
After oral surgery, you will need to choose foods that are soft, packed with protein and rich in nutrients. Drink lots of water, and try to avoid beverages that will dehydrate you. Certain salty foods can cause dehydration as well, so steer clear of foods that are high in sodium. Prepare for oral surgery by stocking your kitchen with these foods, and plenty of water, to make sure your recovery goes smoothly.
Request an appointment here: https://cosmeticdentistrypompanobeach.com or call South Florida Smile Spa, Nicole M. Berger, DDS at (954) 395-2419 for an appointment in our Pompano Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery.
Recent Posts
Dental implants are often used to replace individual teeth but can also offer multiple teeth replacement options. Such options include cantilever bridges, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported partials.Depending upon the condition of the person's gums and jawbone, a single implant can sometimes be placed to support two adjacent teeth. More commonly, multiple implants are used to…
Dental patients who are planning a visit to an implant dentist may be unfamiliar with the details regarding implants. It is crucial to learn as much information as possible before scheduling an appointment for this surgical procedure.A dental implant is a common permanent tooth replacement option that can be highly beneficial to a patient’s oral…
Having missing teeth can make normal tasks such as eating or speaking difficult, but there are several tooth replacement options available to allow you to restore function and improve the appearance of the mouth. Learn more about what alternatives are available to patients and the potential benefits of each method.Depending on the situation and how…
Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…