Let me set up a scenario for you. You’ve just gotten out of the dental chair after having a surgical procedure performed at Collingwood Dentistry. The procedure may have been a root canal or a dental implant and now you are beginning to worry about what you can safely eat during the recovery process. In this blog, I will go over the best foods to eat after undergoing dental surgery.
What shouldn’t you eat following a dental surgery?
It is important to know what foods are safe to eat after undergoing dental surgery so you can have a quick and easy recovery process. Certain foods can cause pain during the healing process, or worse, prolong it. The primary goal is to get you back to your normal eating habits as soon as possible, heal the area and avoid getting an infection.
Following any dental surgery or procedure, Dr. Salyani will always give recommendations on what foods you should eat/drink. Certain foods can cause further pain, discomfort and even infection so it is critical to listen to what your dentist is telling you. Any types of foods that can irritate the gums, injure the operated area or loosen a new dental implant should be avoided. To add, some foods/drinks can interfere with the medications you have been prescribed so that is important information to know as well.
Foods you should avoid:
Acidic foods: lemon, lime, vinaigrettes, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple
Spicy foods: hot sauces, peppers, bbq sauces
Hard foods: candy, chips, nuts and seeds, carrots, apples
Alcohol
Foods that stick to teeth: popcorn, corn, nuts, gum, taffy, etc.
What foods can I eat after having dental surgery?
Although the list of foods you can’t eat may seem long, there are lots of other options available to you that are safe, tasty and easy to chew. There is one main rule to live by during the recovery process: “soft is safe.” Remember, your gums and teeth have been through a lot and need time to recover and heal. The area will be very sensitive so always take your time when you begin eating following surgery.
Foods you can eat:
- Ice cream
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes and mashed vegetables
- Soup (with non-hard meats or vegetables)
- Eggs
- Soft cheeses
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
The bottom line
Recovering from any type of oral surgery can be uncomfortable. You may not be able to talk very well and your diet must be adjusted to have the best recovery process possible. Although this can be tough, learning what foods are safe to eat following surgery is critical to getting you back to normal. Most importantly, try to take the recovery time to remember what put you in the operating room in the first place. Remember to practice a thorough oral hygiene regimen. Brush twice daily and floss. The more time you spend looking after your own teeth, the less time you’ll spend in the dental chair!