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Are you scheduled for an oral surgery or have just had one? It is important to take care of yourself during the recovery period to promote healing and get back to normal as quickly as possible.
One important aspect of post-operative care is your diet. The foods you eat can play a crucial role in how well and how quickly your body heals after surgery.
In this blog, we explain how diet affects healing after oral surgery and give a list of foods to eat and avoid to ensure a smooth healing process.
Table of Contents
How Tissue Heals
Our bodies are truly remarkable! After any sort of trauma occurs to the body, it gets to work to heal itself.
Oral surgery involves trauma to the soft tissues and bone of the mouth and jaw. During the healing process, blood vessels and cells work together to form a clot at the site of the surgery. This helps to protect exposed nerves, bone, and tissue from further damage.
Over time, new tissue gradually grows over the wound and heals it completely. During this time, your body is working hard to repair the damage and return your mouth to its normal state.
How Diet Affects Healing
The food you eat provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to heal itself. After oral surgery, it is important to focus on a diet that promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection or complications.
Foods that are nutrient dense and easy to chew, swallow and digest are ideal for promoting healing after oral surgery.
Important Nutrients for Healing
Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial for promoting healing and ensuring a smooth recovery. Here are the key nutrients you should focus on:
- Protein: Protein is essential for the repair and growth of tissues. It helps to rebuild cells and is crucial for wound healing. Good sources of protein include soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and protein shakes.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen, a protein that helps to form new tissue and blood vessels at the wound site. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in fighting off infection. Include foods such as mashed potatoes, strawberries, and oranges in your diet.
- Iron: Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to healing tissues. It can be found in soft, iron-rich foods like oatmeal, meat, and spinach.
- Zinc: Zinc supports the immune system and plays a role in cell growth and division, aiding in the healing process. Foods high in zinc like beans, soft cheese, and poultry are excellent choices.
- Vitamin D: Enhances calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate levels for normal bone mineralization.
- Vitamin K2: activates proteins that help bind calcium to the bone matrix, ensuring proper bone formation and strength
- Calcium: A primary component of bone tissue, providing structural support and rigidity.
- Magnesium: Magnesium supports bone health by regulating calcium transport and stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.
Together, these nutrients create a synergistic effect that promotes efficient and effective bone healing.
Foods to Eat
Here are some examples of nutrient-dense foods to eat:
- Greek yogurt: An excellent source of protein, probiotics, and essential vitamins.
- Cottage cheese: Soft texture and rich in protein.
- Mashed potatoes: Easy to eat and can be fortified with added nutrients like nutritional yeast.
- Pureed soups: Soups made with boiled meat and vegetables are easy to chew and can be blended if needed. Soups provide hydration and essential nutrients.
- Bone broth: Rich in minerals and promotes tissue repair.
- Banana ice cream: Cold food that soothes the mouth and provides essential nutrients.
Minimizing Swelling, Bruising, and Inflammation:
- Bromelain: An enzyme found in pineapple, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Arnica: A herb that helps reduce swelling and bruising.
- Turmeric (Curcumin): Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, they reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid that reduces inflammation and supports immune function.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports tissue repair.
If you have been given prescription pain medication or antibiotics, it is very important that you take it with food. Taking medication on an empty stomach can make you nauseous.
Eat a small amount of food, let it settle for 15 minutes, take the medication, then continue eating. Never take more than the prescribed amount of any kind of medication. Refer to the post-operative instructions for more information.
Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your gut. Eat foods with probiotics such as yogurt or take a probiotic supplement to help restore balance.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can hinder the recovery process and should be avoided:
- Crunchy foods: Chips and nuts can damage incision sites.
- Spicy foods: Can cause irritation and prolong healing.
- Acidic foods: Such as citrus fruits and orange juice, can irritate wounds.
- Hot foods/drinks: High temperatures can dislodge blood clots crucial for healing.
- Chewy foods: Tough meats and chewy candies can stress the healing areas.
- Alcoholic beverages: Can interfere with prescribed pain medication and slow healing.
- Low-nutrient foods: Processed and high-fat foods don’t provide the necessary nutrients for healing. Avoid fast food and opt for nutrient-dense options instead.
- Foods high in sugar: Sugar promotes bacterial growth and can lead to infection.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Here are some additional tips to ensure a speedy recovery:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep tissues hydrated. You can also drink broth or herbal teas for added nutrients.
- Avoid straws: Sucking on a straw can dislodge blood clots and cause dry sockets, which are painful and delay healing.
- Take It Easy: Rest is crucial for healing after any surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest to allow your body to focus on healing.
- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for post-operative care. Follow these carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Keep Your Mouth Clean: Brush your teeth gently and rinse with warm salt water throughout the day to keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of complications and will delay the healing process.
- Take Prescribed Pain Medication: Follow your doctor’s instructions to manage pain effectively.
By following these guidelines and focusing on a diet rich in soft foods, protein, and essential nutrients, you can promote healing and have a smooth recovery after oral surgery.
AZ Max: Your Partners in Oral Health
We are committed to providing you with the best possible care before, during, and after your oral surgery. Our team of experienced surgeons will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary tools and resources for a successful recovery.
If you are in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Show Low and are searching for an oral surgeon in Mesa or an ‘oral surgeon near me’, we can help. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
We have locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment at one of our locations.
If you live in Scottsdale, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Mesa locations.
If you live in Chandler, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Queek Creek locations.
If you live in Gilbert, AZ, book an appointment at our Mesa, Queek Creek or Tempe locations.
If you live in Phoenix, AZ, book an appointment at our Tempe or Mesa locations.
