A soft diet after oral surgery involves liquids and soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, thereby not causing any strain on the wound and enabling it to heal.
Oral surgeries leave the mouth extremely tender, wherein the slightest pressure applied on the gums or other parts of the mouth can cause excruciating pain. People who have undergone tooth extractions find it so painful to chew even rice. In such situations, a soft diet is prescribed to the patient. A soft diet surgery comprises food items that are soft in texture, can be easily swallowed with minimal force application on the jaws, teeth and overall oral cavity, thereby conducing to minimal pain and also enhancing the healing of oral wounds. These soft foods will in no way disturb the stitches and will help the healing process. Let’s have a look at the list of different foods to eat after oral surgery.
What Are Some Good Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery?
Sticky, spicy, fried or highly seasoned foods should be omitted from a soft diet. Such foods can cause irritation to the oral wound and can also hamper the healing process. These soft foods should be soft, non-spicy and low in acidic content.
Fruits
Fruits with skin and seeds will be difficult to chew. Biting into the seeds will only spearhead searing pain throughout the oral cavity. Moreover, they can get stuck in tooth socket or oral surgery wound. Acidic fruits such as pineapple, grapefruit and oranges are also harsh on wounds, thus, are not included in the soft diet after oral surgery. This is why the list of permitted fruits is limited to:
- Pureed berries (de-skinned and de-seeded)
- Ripe banana
- Apple sauce
Vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Creamed peas (peas blended in milk)
- Avocado slices
- Skinned and de-seeded tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Mashed pumpkin
Eggs and Dairy Products
- Scrambled eggs
- Milk
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Tofu
- Mayonnaise
Yogurt is not always recommended, since it comprises live yeast which has the capability of interfering with the healing process.
Meat
- Tender cooked veal, beef and lamb
- Broiled or stewed chicken or turkey
- Tender cooked liver
- Cooked tuna without bones
- Cooked salmon without bones
- Ground meat
Grains and Breads
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Macaroni
- Pasta
- Grits
- Pancakes
- Soft breads without crust
- French toast without crust
Beverages
- Broth
- Creamy soups (no large chunks or noodles)
- Milk shakes
- Fruit smoothies
- Coffee
- Tea
- Fruit juices
- Vegetable juices
- Herbal tea
Low acid fruit juices such as pear, apple or grapefruit juice should be consumed. While having beverages, it is important to refrain from use of straws. This is because, the suction can conduce to a condition called dry sockets. When a tooth has been extracted, a blot clot is formed in the socket of the tooth, which is very important for the healing of the region. However, suction can cause this clot to dissolve, thereby conducing to a condition called dry socket.
Desserts
- Ice-cream
- Sorbet
- Jello
- Fruit mousse
- Custard
- Honey
- Homemade trifle
- Pudding
- Plain melted chocolate
- Soft cake (without nuts or dried fruits)
- Plain brownies
Often desserts available in the stores contain various additions such as nuts, dried fruits, crushed candies, etc. It is important to purchase plain ice-creams and cakes. If possible consume only homemade puddings.
All of these soft foods for after oral surgery mentioned above cannot be consumed immediately after surgery. Post surgery one will have to stick to a liquid diet, because the wounds will be very fresh. At that time tender meats and breads are out of the question! Gradually as the healing of the wound progresses, mashed and semi-solid foods can be introduced into the diet. Moreover, the soft food diet will vary from one person to another depending on the severity of the wound and type of oral surgery. Your doctor will advise you about the appropriate soft diet for you!
