Healthy and Soft Foods To Enjoy After Oral Surgery

What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of teeth, reshaping of teeth, or the repair and reconstruction of a damaged jawbone.

Tooth extraction is the common oral surgery (removal) to treat decay caused by periodontal disease or injury. Other types of procedures that a Gilbert dentist can perform include oral cancer treatment, bone graft, or dental implant surgery 

What To Expect After Oral Surgery?

After an oral surgery in Gilbert, you may experience several things, that include:

• The first 24 hours after surgery are the most painful. Your mouth will be sore and swollen, so you may feel pain when you swallow or chew food.
• Swelling usually begins within 2 to 3 days after oral surgery, worsening over time until it stabilizes at its peak in about four weeks.
• You may experience bleeding that lasts for several hours. It will clear after a while, but visit a dentist near you if it persists for more than 24 hours.

Types of Healthy and Soft Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery

• Eggs

They contain protein and, as a result, help to rebuild muscle tissue after surgery. They’re also easy to prepare—you need a pan or pot with water on the stovetop.

Eggs contain many nutrients, including choline (a nutrient that helps maintain brain health), vitamins B6 and D3 (which have been shown to reduce inflammation), selenium (increases immunity), phosphorus (necessary for strong bones), and potassium (important for proper nerve function).

• Bananas

Bananas are easy to chew and can be blended into smoothies or used as a snack.

They’re also an excellent source of potassium, which helps water stay on your body’s cells (hydration). This will make you feel more comfortable in the days following surgery when you might be craving liquids like water. Bananas contain vitamin C too.

• Applesauce

Applesauce is a great way to soothe your sore throat, and it can also help with healing. Applesauce is good for soothing the mouth as well as helping with healing. You can eat applesauce cold or warm, depending on how much pain you’re experiencing.

• Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are an ideal option for people who have just undergone surgery. Their tastiness provides a comforting feeling while they’re also very easy to make. Dress them up with whatever you desire gravy, butter, or sour cream – but make sure that the chunks are not too big for easy chewing.

• Ice cream/Blended Milkshakes

Ice cream and blended milkshakes are great choices for patients recovering from oral surgery. It also tastes great, making it even easier to eat something sweet without feeling guilty about it.

Blended Milkshakes are another popular choice among patients who need nourishment after oral surgery because they offer both calories and protein and are easy on the stomach.

• Yogurt

Yogurt contains calcium and protein. It’s easy to digest and can be taken in small amounts. It’s also a good choice for people on a diet since yogurt has fewer calories than other dairy products.

• Beans and Pasta

Beans and pasta are great choices for a post-oral surgery meal. Beans, pasta, and other foods high in fiber and protein can help promote good digestion after oral surgery. These foods are also easy to eat and soft enough to chew without too much pain.

What to avoid after Oral Surgery

There are certain things to avoid after oral surgery to ensure proper healing. These include:

• Avoid smoking. Tobacco can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. If you must smoke, do so cautiously and avoid touching the surgical site.
• Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and slow down the healing process. Limit your intake or abstain completely for at least 24 hours after surgery.
• Avoid hot beverages, as they can burn your surgical site. Stick to cool or room-temperature drinks for the first day or two after surgery.
• Chewing hard foods can dislodge blood clots and cause bleeding. Stick to soft foods or liquids for at least 24 hours after surgery.
• Ensure not to eat acidic foods such as oranges or tomatoes within 24 hours of oral surgery because this may cause discomfort while healing occurs.
• Avoid consuming caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) until the medicine has cleared your system. Caffeine can irritate the lining of your mouth and make it more likely that you’ll develop inflammation of the tissue around your gums.

Schedule an Appointment 

Visit Smiles of Gilbert for more information on what to do after oral surgery.