Nutrition Instructions After Oral Surgery

After Oral Surgery

DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW FOR 24 HOURS.  USE OF A STRAW CREATES A SUCTION IN THE MOUTH, WHICH COULD LOOSEN THE BLOOD CLOT AND DELAY HEALING.

Also, avoid alcoholic beverage and mouthwash which contain alcohol for 24 hours.

Nutrition After Oral Surgery

After oral surgery, eating may be difficult when your teeth, gums, and mouth feel tender.  However, proper nutrition is very important to provide your body with the energy.  Nutrition is needed prevent infections, accelerate healing, increase your strength and maintain energy.

The following, depending on possible dietary restrictions by your physician, are the soft foods recommended following your oral surgery:

  1. Applesauce – This food may be able to boost your immune system, resulting in faster healing. Applesauce is a great source of fiber and vitamin C. The food is very low in saturated fat.
  2. Avocado – Avocados are considered a power food – full of vitamins, healthy fats, potassium, protein, and more. Avocados are high in fiber and antitoxins and low in carbs.
  3. Baby Food – If you want already made puree food, baby food is a good substitution.
  4. Baked Beans & Spaghetti – Tinned and mashed are softest.
  5. Bananas (Mashed) – Bananas are a good source of potassium, manganese, folate, and other minerals and vitamins.
  6. Casseroles – Soft and well-cooked casserole with plenty of liquid.
  7. Cheese (Shredded or melted – Cheese has a lot of probiotics, which can speed up the healing process.
  8. Cottage Cheese– Plain or mixed with veggies.  Cottage Cheese is an excellent source of protein and is packed with many nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus & selenium.
  9. Eggs – Depending on how you prepare them, eggs can be another good source of protein. Start by scrambling them as this will be easier to chew and swallow. Eggs are nature’s multivitamin.
  10. Fish (Preferably baked) – Salmon, Tuna, Cod – Contains healthy fats including omega-3 acids and is a good anti-inflammatory and encourages healing. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for optimal body and brain function.
  11. Ice Cream – The coldness of ice cream can help numb the discomfort in your mouth. Milk shakes are good, but Do Not drink through a straw.
  12. Jell-O– Soft and easy to eat.
  13. Juice– Fresh squeezed fruit/vegetable juice or vitamin based juice.
  14. Macaroni & Cheese– Be sure it’s well cooked and soft.
  15. Mashed Potatoes (Blend or mash all the lumps out) – This soft food which contains nutrients and carbs has a lot of calories, which can give your body the energy it needs.
  16. Milk Drinks – Excellent source of high-quality protein. Also, milk is an excellent source of vitamin B12, calcium, riboflavin and phosphorus.
  17. Noodles/Pasta – Small or flat soft pasta that does not require much chewing or slurping.
  18. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is filling and extremely healthy. However, it can be chewy and sticky so wait a few days before trying this food. Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, but also high in protein and fat, more than other grains. Also, high in many vitamins and minerals.
  19. Protein Drinks – Such as Ensure or Sustagen.
  20. Pudding– Chocolate or fruit.
  21. Ramen Noodles– A quick and easy noodle broth soup.
  22. Risotto – Be sure the rice is well cooked.
  23. Smoothies – Smoothies can replace entire meals, and they’re good. You may also add some vegetables into the mix and some yogurt or protein powder to boost your protein intake. Don’t drink your smoothie from a straw. Make sure you use a spoon, especially for the first few days after your surgery.
  24. Soups & Broths – Since soups and broths are smooth and&/or creamy, you can eat them without anything irritating your surgery site. Soups are also full of minerals, vitamins, and more. Both soups & broths contain a great deal of water, which will help you stay hydrated. Be sure to allow the soup and/or broths to cool before eating.
  25. Stew– Vegetable stews cooked for an extended period in a slow cooker will be soft and savoy.
  26. Tea– The tannin in tea helps reduce bleeding. In the first few days have it iced or warm, not hot.  Do not drink through a straw.
  27. Tofu– Mash or cube it and mix with soy sauce or other flavoring.
  28. Yogurt (Without chunks of fruit) – Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, contains protein. The smooth texture and cool temperature of yogurt can also help relieve pain in your mouth.

Foods You Should Avoid After Oral Surgery

Now that you know which soft foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, there are also some foods you should avoid. Here’s a quick list:

  • Anything spicy
  • Bread (may seem soft, can be difficult to chew)
  • Crackers
  • Meats (at least, most of them)
  • Nuts
  • Raw fruits and vegetables