Although oral surgery can be a daunting experience, many patients find recovery just as tricky if they don’t know what foods to eat. You must stay away from foods that not only can affect the results, but also damage your teeth and gums.
For most oral surgeries — such as tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal — you should be able to start reintroducing fibrous and crunchy foods back into your diet after one week. However, for procedures like removal of impacted teeth, you may have to eat soft and liquid foods for up to six weeks. So, what foods should you be ready to prepare after your oral surgery? Here are a few we suggest, and some we say, “stay away.”
Foods We Suggest
Remember, your mouth will be sensitive and sore after oral surgery. Food like bread, although soft, is difficult to chew. You should pick foods that don’t require vigorous chewing or those that can become a choking hazard. These include the following.
Soups
Since broths and soups are creamy and smooth, you can consume them without irritating the areas of your dental work. These foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and more, so they provide your body with all the daily nutrients it needs throughout the day. They’re also full of water, which will keep your body hydrated as well.
Smoothies
A smoothie is a meal in itself. These provide excellent health benefits, but require no chewing. Smoothies may contain vegetables, fruits, protein powder, or yogurt, all healthy to aid your recovery.
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein for any meal, and they’re easy to chew and swallow. Plus, once you can chew again, you can start preparing them differently, like hard-boiled or fried.
Mashed Potatoes
This source of starch and carbs is also soft and easy to swallow. It can give your body a boost of energy to help get you through the day. This food is excellent for eating right after surgery.
Salmon
If you have a lot of swelling and inflammation, try eating small pieces of salmon. This meal has a lot of omega-3s and other healthy fats that encourage healing and reduce inflammation.
Cheese
Probiotic-rich cheese can help speed the healing process. However, you need to shred it into thin pieces before eating.
Avocado
This power food is chock-full of vitamins, potassium, and heart-healthy fats. You can add it to smoothies or other foods if you don’t like the taste.
Foods to Avoid
Now that you know what foods are suitable to eat after oral surgery, here are some to steer clear of:
- Meats
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Anything spicy
- Bread
- Candy
- Nuts
- Crackers
Don’t eat anything chewy, hard, sticky, or crunchy until your oral surgeon gives you permission to. These foods will slow the healing process and may cause severe discomfort.
If you need more information about what foods to eat after oral surgery or are concerned with your overall dental health,contact us todayand schedule a checkup!
FAQs
Days 7 and beyond
As the healing progresses and your dentist or oral surgeon confirms the extraction site is healing well, you can begin adding more solid foods back into your diet. However, continue avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the healing process or get stuck in the extraction site.
What foods are easy to eat after tooth extraction? ›
Best foods to eat after teeth removal (0 – 2 days)
- Yogurt (frozen or normal) – No fruit bits or nuts.
- Jello.
- Ice cream / Sorbet / Milkshake.
- Luke warm soups.
- Pudding.
- Eggs.
- Soggy Cereal (Oatmeal)
- Well cooked pasta.
Days 7 and beyond
As the healing progresses and your dentist or oral surgeon confirms the extraction site is healing well, you can begin adding more solid foods back into your diet. However, continue avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could disturb the healing process or get stuck in the extraction site.
What are high protein soft foods after oral surgery? ›
Beans are another excellent soft food option that provides plenty of protein, fibre, iron, and antioxidants. Yogurt is an especially good option when recovering from dental surgery. Yogurt is high in protein, and calcium which can help to strengthen your teeth as they heal.
Can I eat scrambled eggs after tooth extraction? ›
Eggs are an excellent food to eat after oral surgery. They have a high amount of quality protein that is rich in vitamins and minerals. While eggs cooked in numerous ways are generally soft, scrambled eggs are ideal because they are easier to chew and swallow.
What are some examples of soft foods? ›
Soft Food Diet
- Mush or porridge-type hot cereals like oatmeal, grits and Cream-of-Wheat.
- Cereals that soften easily in milk like Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes.
- Soft breads and muffins.
- Pasta cooked to a soft consistency.
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes without skin.
- Soft fruits like ripe bananas and melon.
What foods should you avoid after tooth extraction?
- Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods (like seeds, nuts, chips, and candies)
- Acidic foods (like citrus fruits and tomatoes)
- Hot and spicy foods.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Alcohol.
- Tobacco products.
Here are 5 of the best soups to eat after dental work:
- Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup. ...
- Curry Pumpkin Soup. ...
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup. ...
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup. ...
- Cream of Hatch Green Chile Soup.
The good news is, within a few hours after your surgery, you can eat normal soft foods and you will be able to consume beverages, just not with a straw. You will be able to go to Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, Cook Out or Bojangles in about three or four days. Avoid the hard and crunchy foods for a week.
What is a meal replacement for tooth extraction? ›
5 Safe Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery
- Smoothies. One of the healthiest soft food choices you can make after oral surgery is smoothies. ...
- Soups. Another healthy choice for post-op dental patients is soup. ...
- Mashed Potatoes. Forget counting carbs. ...
- Yogurt. Another healthy, easy-to-grab option is pre-packaged yogurts. ...
- Applesauce.
Good examples include shepherd's pie, pasta dishes with a meat sauce, meat loaf, chicken supreme, corned beef hash, tender casserole, tender meat or chicken curry, tender roast meat and soft skinless sausage. Tinned meat or poultry are also suitable, for example chicken in white sauce.
What is the fastest way to recover from dental surgery? ›
8 Tips for a Speedy Recovery from Oral Surgery
- Protect the Surgical Area.
- Rest.
- Stick to a Soft Diet.
- Stay Hydrated.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco.
- Use a Cold Compress.
- Take Pain Medication.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene.
Protein or Meal-replacement Shakes
Indeed, they can be one of the most nutritious foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. With high protein, essential fatty acids, and plenty of added vitamins and minerals, patients can get a nutrient-dense snack or meal in a single glass.
What foods help you recover faster after surgery? ›
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds like almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds are a great choice for fueling your body during the recovery process. These foods provide plant-based protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals that support healing.
Are pancakes considered soft food? ›
Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta:
Breads, muffins, pancakes, or waffles moistened with syrup, jelly, margarine or butter. Moist dry or cooked cereal. Macaroni, pasta, noodles, or rice. Saltine crackers moistened in soup or other liquid.
What fast food can you eat after a tooth extraction? ›
The good news is, within a few hours after your surgery, you can eat normal soft foods and you will be able to consume beverages, just not with a straw. You will be able to go to Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, Cook Out or Bojangles in about three or four days. Avoid the hard and crunchy foods for a week.
Is soup ok after tooth extraction? ›
Soups that are made with broth can be a good source of proteins when recovering from an extraction. Soups should be consumed warm – not hot – since hot foods and beverages can aggravate the surgery site. It is best to avoid soups that come with huge bits of vegetables or meat.
How to heal an extracted tooth faster? ›
If you want to get back to normal as soon as possible, follow this simple advice on how to feel better fast after a tooth extraction.
- Prioritize Your Rest. Having a tooth removed can place significant stress on your body. ...
- Keep the Extraction Site Clean. ...
- Medications. ...
- Eat Carefully.
To swallow without risking dry socket, follow these steps:
- Take Small Sips: Instead of gulping large amounts of liquid at once, take small, controlled sips. ...
- Tilt Your Head: Tilting your head slightly forward when swallowing can help direct the liquid towards the back of your mouth, away from the extraction site.
