Reading time: three minutes
Have you recently undergone oral surgery?
Are you looking for soft food options that are nutritious and easy to eat during your recovery period? Look no further!
Here are 10 soft foods that will help you heal comfortably and provide the necessary nutrients for a speedy recovery.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Soft Foods?
- 10 Soft Foods To Eat After Oral Surgery
- Foods to Avoid During Recovery
- A Smooth Recovery Starts With an Experienced Surgeon
- Trust AZ Max Oral Surgery in North Mesa for Optimal Care and Recovery
Why Choose Soft Foods?
After oral surgery, your mouth will be sensitive and may have limited movement, making it difficult to eat harder foods.
Soft foods are a great option because they require minimal chewing and are gentle on the mouth, allowing for proper healing without causing discomfort.
Soft foods are important for optimal healing after oral surgery. They provide necessary nutrients while being gentle on the mouth during the recovery period.
10 Soft Foods To Eat After Oral Surgery
Here are some delicious and nutritious soft food options to help you sail through recovery.
- Applesauce: Smooth and nutritious, applesauce is gentle on your gums and provides essential vitamins and dietary fiber, aiding in digestion without requiring extensive chewing.
- Yogurt: Plain or greek yogurt is soft, creamy, and packed with protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and easy to swallow, mashed potatoes are comforting and versatile. Add cheese for a bit of extra protein!
- Smoothies: Blend soft fruits like bananas or berries with yogurt, milk and protein powder to create a soothing, nutrient-dense beverage. They are hydrating and provide essential vitamins and minerals necessary for recovery. Just remember not to use a straw!
- Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat: Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat are a warm and comforting option that can be easily customized with honey, mashed fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s gentle on the mouth and provides sustained energy.
- Eggs: Whether scrambled or soft-boiled, eggs are a great source of protein and are high in nutrients like choline, which supports brain function and helps in tissue repair post-surgery.
- Broth: If you’re craving something savory, broth is an excellent option. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it supports your immune system and aids in recovery. Additionally, broth provides essential hydration, which is vital for a smooth recovery process after oral surgery.
- Pudding: A sweet treat that is easy to swallow and comes in various flavors to suit your preferences.
- Cottage Cheese: Soft and mild in flavor, cottage cheese is a protein-rich option that can be enjoyed plain or mixed with soft fruits like peaches or pineapple.
- Soft blended soups: Soft blended soups are an excellent choice after oral surgery as they are easy to consume and require minimal chewing, helping to prevent irritation to sensitive areas in the mouth. Add cooked lentils or beans for an extra dose of protein!
Choosing foods that are soft, mild, and nutritious will help you maintain a balanced diet while allowing your mouth to heal without discomfort.
Foods to Avoid During Recovery
It is equally important to avoid certain foods that can potentially cause irritation or damage to your surgical site.
These include:
- Hard and crunchy foods: Chips, nuts, hard candies and raw vegetables can damage sensitive areas in your mouth.
- Seeds and popcorn: Small seeds and popcorn kernels can easily get lodged in surgical sites, leading to irritation or infection.
- Spicy foods: Spices and hot sauces can irritate healing gums and increase discomfort.
- Tough meats: Avoid meats that require extensive chewing, such as steak or jerky, as they can strain your jaw and disrupt the healing process.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits and juices can be too acidic, potentially causing stinging sensations or irritation to sensitive tissues.
- Hot foods: Avoid hot foods and hot beverages as they can increase discomfort and potentially disrupt the healing process by irritating sensitive areas in your mouth.
Tips for Eating During Recovery
Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Chew carefully: Even soft foods should be chewed on the opposite side of your mouth from the surgical site to prevent accidental trauma. Take small bites and chew slowly to minimize discomfort.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. Hydration is essential for overall health and can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Follow your oral surgeon’s advice: We will provide post-operative instructions before your procedure. Read them carefully before your surgery so that you know what to expect post-surgery. Follow post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow up appointments.
- Avoid straws: Sipping through a straw can create suction in your mouth, potentially dislodging the blood clot and causing a dry socket.
- Take medications as prescribed: If you’ve been prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics, take them as directed.
- Rest after eating: After meals, take some time to rest upright rather than lying flat. This can help prevent nausea and aid in digestion.
Check out this blog post, Foods That Promote Healing After Oral Surgery, for more information about nutrients that are essential for healing.
A Smooth Recovery Starts With an Experienced Surgeon
At our North Mesa location, we are proud to have Dr. R. Brinks Austin and Dr. Trevor Allen as part of our dedicated team of oral surgeons. Both highly skilled and committed to patient care, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the field of oral surgery.
Dr. R. Brinks Austin specializes in a range of oral surgery procedures, including wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and bone grafting.
“Dr Austin is phenomenal. My son has had 2 oral surgeries with him. Most recently wisdom teeth removal. As always from consult to day of surgery Dr. Austin is thoughtful and explains everything and makes sure we have everything we need. My son had zero pain after his wisdom teeth removal and that just says something about Dr Austin. If we ever need any other oral surgeries we will definitely be heading to Dr Austin.”
Dr. Allen pays special attention to patient education, ensuring patients are fully informed about their treatment options and the recovery process. He pays close attention to follow-up care to ensure the best treatment outcomes.
“Over the course of a year I’ve had three surgeries at AZ Max Surgeons Mesa. Each has been a pleasant experience! Dr. Trevor Allen and all of his staff were very professional and kind. Every staff member made sure I was well attended to with all my questions answered. I highly recommend this office for any oral surgeries needed!”
Trust AZ Max Oral Surgery in North Mesa for Optimal Care and Recovery
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to each of our patients.
We understand that oral surgery can be a daunting experience, which is why we strive to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant placement or any other oral surgery procedure, you can trust us to deliver optimal care and help you achieve a smooth recovery.
Call our oral surgeons office in North Mesa at (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 6808 E Brown Rd Mesa, AZ 85207.
