A well-balanced diet is critical to a quick recovery after oral surgery. Observing proper nutrition will help to hasten healing, reduce discomfort, and create a sense of well-being.
This means getting the right portions of proteins, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, whether you’re on a liquid or soft diet.
Initially, the consistency of your diet will range from liquid to pureed to soft meals. You will be able to advance your diet as your wounds heal. Also choose smaller, more frequent meals that are more tolerable.
- Adequate protein in your diet will help you recuperate faster. As a result, include protein in every meal, regardless of consistency. For instance, you could add protein powder or yogurt to a smoothie.
- Avoid tomatoes, onion, pepper, and spices as they are all potential irritants
- Avoid acidic fruit juices as they can also induce a burning feeling
Drink plenty of liquids
Because you may not be able to chew semi-solid or solid foods on the day of oral surgery due to soreness and swelling in your mouth, the goal is to drink 48 to 64 oz. (6-8 cups) of liquids per day. Your options should include:
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Water
- Caffeine-free liquids like tea and coffee
- Tepid pureed soups
- Gelatin
- Smoothies
Soft grains and soups
As your mouth heals, eat a soft diet consisting of foods that are easy to chew or swallow. It could be chopped, ground, mashed, pureed, or moistened foods are easily tolerated. Consider:
- Soups with soft vegetables or meat
- Soft grains including oatmeal, rice, cream of rice, risotto, and cooked pasta
Well-cooked fruits and vegetables
You should be able to eat well-cooked fruits and vegetables like:
- Ripe banana slices
- Applesauce
- Baked apples (without the skin)
- Baked or boiled sweet potatoes or yams, spinach, beets, cooked carrot slices, and potatoes
Proteins
Remember to include a protein source in everything you consume since it is crucial in the healing process. Some protein ideas include:
- Protein powder, yogurt, or cottage cheese can all be used to blend protein into a soup
- Tofu, stewed, diced, roasted, baked, or broiled lean beef, chicken, and soft fish like trout, whitefish, and salmon, as well as soft scrambled eggs, are tolerated on a soft food diet after oral surgery.
- Consume dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese if lactose intolerant. Greek yogurt has a higher protein content than normal yogurt.
Healthy fats
To guarantee balanced meals, include healthy fats in your diet.
- Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut butter, flax oil, and salmon are all good sources of healthful fats.
Foods to avoid
Avoid these foods during the first two weeks of surgery
- Spicy meals
- Difficult-to-chew items (steak, chicken, deli meats)
- Popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, crusty bread, bagels, cookies,
- Alcoholic beverages
Also avoid using a straw since the sucking movement can put too much strain on the newly formed blood clot, delaying your recovery. Keep track of how much sugar you take in liquid form on a daily basis. Healthy fats and protein help to balance the beverages.
Lastly, make sure to prepare ahead of time and have drinks and soft foods on hand following surgery.
