Foods After Oral Surgery

Following oral surgery, you will likely need to stick to a modified diet during the recovery process. The exact dietary plan that is best for you will depend on your general health prior to the procedure, what type of procedure you are having performed, and the standard recovery time associated with your procedure.

Certain procedures will require that patients abstain from eating the night before surgery. Even if your procedure does not require this, it is a good idea to stick to clear fluids such as tea, juice, or broth prior to your surgery.

For patients who have had extensive oral surgery, it may be necessary to follow a liquid diet or pureed food diet for several days following surgery until your mouth has completely healed. To ensure a quick recovery time, stick with liquids or foods that contain vital nutrients, minerals, and vitamins such as vitamins A and C, protein, and zinc.

Following your oral surgery procedure, the following foods are safe options to eat, especially if they are pureed, moistened, ground, or mashed beforehand:

  • Soft fruits (canned peaches, canned pears, papaya, berries, bananas, etc.)
  • Fresh cooked vegetables (cooked carrots, cooked potatoes, yams, spinach, beets, etc.)
  • Applesauce
  • Protein shakes/fruit smoothies/milkshakes
  • Jell-O
  • Ice cream
  • Popsicles
  • Pudding/Custard
  • Yogurt
  • Cream of Wheat or Oatmeal
  • Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, etc.)
  • Fish
  • Hearty soups (cream of asparagus, lentil, minestrone, split pea, etc.)
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Tofu
  • Juices (Cranberry, Grape, Apple, etc.)
  • Herbal Tea

While it is safe to consume any of the foods or beverages on this approved list, one of the best ways to speed up the healing process is to consume sufficient amounts of protein, which can be found in scrambled eggs, tofu, soft fish, lean beef, or chicken. For patients who are on a liquid diet, protein powder can be added to your smoothie.

Avoid the Following Foods After Surgery

While it is important to eat the right type of foods following your oral surgery, it is also important to avoid eating the wrong foods. For an effective and speedy recovery, be sure to avoid the following food and beverage items for at least one week following your surgery, or more if your oral surgeon recommends.

  • Alcohol
  • Citrus Juices (Grapefruit, Orange, Lime, et. al)
  • Thick grains
  • Foods that are crunchy or chewy
  • Potato chips, popcorn, pretzels
  • Spicy Foods

Eating Healthy Improves Recovery Time

One of the most effective ways to have a quick and successful recovery following oral surgery is to have the previously mentioned foods available as soon as you return home. Patients who take the time to have the proper foods available typically have a higher success rate of healing.

In addition to eating softer foods and avoiding foods that may create issues following your surgery, the best way to ensure a quick recovery is to continue eating a healthy and balanced diet once you have healed from surgery. By eating a healthy balance of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, proteins, and starches and limiting or avoiding sugary foods and beverages, you will not only improve your oral health, but your overall health will benefit as well.

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