Everyone knows that eating healthy is vital for your teeth and gums. But did you know that what you eat can also impact your oral health after dental surgery? That’s right – the foods you eat can actually help (or hinder) the healing process. So, suppose you’ve just had a wisdom tooth removal or another type of dental surgery. In that case, it’s essential to choose your foods wisely.
However, how long is it going to take your mouth to heal? Well, that all depends on the type of surgery you’ve had. For example, dental implants, a natural-looking replacement tooth, can take up to six months for the area to heal completely. You might think it’s a long time, but the benefits are worth it in the end! You will be able to eat all your favorite foods without any problems.
On the other hand, wisdom tooth removal is a much simpler procedure. It usually only requires days of recovery time. Nevertheless, it’s still important to be careful with what you eat immediately after the surgery. So, what are the best soft foods to eat after dental surgery? Here are some of them:
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are popular comfort food, and for a good reason. They’re soft and creamy, and they pair well with all sorts of other flavorful foods. But did you know mashed potatoes can also be good for your teeth? That’s right – mashed potatoes can help encourage new tooth enamel growth. So if you’re looking for a post-surgery dental diet that will be both satisfying and beneficial for your oral health, mashed potatoes are a great option. Just be sure to avoid adding salty or sugary toppings, as these can offset the positive effects of the potatoes.
Scrambled eggs
Scrambled eggs are a great choice! They’re packed with protein, essential for healing, and gentle on your teeth and gums. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Just be sure to avoid adding any spicy or acidic ingredients, as they can irritate your surgical site. So go ahead and enjoy scrambled eggs – your teeth will thank you!
Applesauce
Applesauce is soft and easy to chew, so it won’t irritate your surgical site. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that will help your body heal. Just be sure to choose a sugar-free variety; the sugar in regular applesauce can promote tooth decay. And if you’re still unsure whether applesauce is right for you, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll be able to give you tailored advice for your individual situation.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great choice after dental surgery. It’s soft, so it won’t aggravate your stitches, and it’s packed with nutrients that will help your body heal. Just be sure to choose plain yogurt rather than flavored yogurt, which can be high in sugar. And if you’re feeling really sore, you can always add a little bit of honey to your yogurt for an extra bit of sweetness.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium, which are great for healing bones and tissue. It’s also soft and easy to chew, making it a perfect post-surgery food. Plus, it’s tasty! So next time you’re looking for a post-surgery snack, reach for the cottage cheese. Your jaw will thank you.
Soup
It can be tempting to try to eat solid foods as soon as the anesthesia wears off, but it’s essential to be patient. Start with thin soups like broth-based soup or pureed vegetables. Once you can handle those, you can move on to thicker soups like chowder or minestrone. Avoid anything with pieces that can get stuck in your teeth, like corn or rice. And stay away from hot soup until the numbness in your mouth wears off – you don’t want to burn yourself!
Smoothies
Having a smoothie after dental surgery may seem like an odd thing to do, but there are actually some good reasons for it. First of all, smoothies are easier to eat than solid foods, and they don’t require any chewing. This is important because chewing can put pressure on your surgical site and cause pain. Secondly, smoothies are packed with nutrients that can help your body heal. They’re also hydrating, which is important because dehydration can lead to complications after surgery. Finally, smoothies are just plain delicious, and they can help you feel a little bit better during your recovery.
The takeaways
Healing after dental surgery takes time, but there are things you can do to help your recovery along. First, make sure to eat a nutritious diet that includes plenty of protein and calcium. These nutrients will help your body heal. Secondly, choose soft foods that are easy to chew and gentle on your surgical site. And finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
