Do you have dental surgery coming up?
One of the best ways to set yourself up for a smooth recovery and an optimal outcome following restorative dentistry is to prepare well.
Get your home organized and in order so that when you start your recovery, you have everything you need, from a comfortable and clean bedroom, to entertainment like books, podcasts, and TV shows, and most important of all, a fridge full of soft foods that make meal planning and eating a breeze.
Eating after your oral surgery
For most of the common dental surgeries, you should stick to a diet of soft foods for about a week following your procedure. After that, you can start to include foods that require crunching and chewing. In some cases, however, your oral surgeon will recommend that you maintain a soft food diet for up to six weeks or more.
A soft food diet may not sound very exciting but there are lots of ways to add flavor, texture, and variety to your meals.
Here is a short list of some of the soft foods that are considered safe to eat following oral surgery:
- Apple sauce and mashed fruit, like bananas
- Smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, and milkshakes
- Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese
- Soft cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes
- Pudding and Jell-o
- Tofu, beans, and soft peas
- Soups
Other ways to take care of yourself after oral surgery
Hydration is also important during your recovery so drink plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water, but wait until at least 24 hours after your surgery to start this practice.
It’s normal to feel some pain and discomfort after oral surgery, but you can make your recovery as easy as possible by taking good care of yourself and supporting your body’s natural healing responses with the right foods.