What You Can Eat and Drink After Oral Surgery

Common oral surgery procedures such as tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, and the fitting of dental implants require you to watch what you eat and drink after the surgery — but choosing the right food and drink can be a challenging task.

Since you might be temporarily incapacitated after your oral surgery procedure due to anesthesia, it is possible you will not be able to drive or travel to buy food. Be sure to prepare ahead of time by purchasing foods that you will be able to eat in the days, and sometimes weeks, after surgery. Although your oral surgeon will take you through the basic foods and beverages you are allowed to consume, consider this guide as a checklist of what to eat and, more importantly, what not to eat.

Drink water

Staying hydrated is crucial after any major or minor surgery. Sip on a little more water than your normal daily amount to flush food particles away from the affected area. Drinking fluids following oral surgery will also speed up the healing process and help to prevent conditions like dry socket.

However, when drinking liquids, do so by sipping on a cup or bottle. Do not use a straw, as the suction could dislodge any dressings on the wound.

Foods to eat

Dentists recommend soft foods that are easily ingestible. These include:

Creamy soups and broths
Applesauce
Smoothies
Ice cream
Mashed potatoes and other vegetables
Yogurt
Avocado
Scrambled Eggs

Smoothies

Although smoothies are a great option for your recovery period, steer clear of blending fruits with small seeds. Blackberries and strawberries have seeds that can get stuck in open wounds and cause complications. Also, consider adding protein powder to smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Mashed vegetables

Mashed vegetables such as peas, carrots and butternut squash are a soft and nutritious substitute for carbohydrate-heavy mashed potatoes.

Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a healthy food that is high in protein. The protein kicks your recovery into high gear and aids in healing. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals like zinc and calcium.

Foods and beverages to avoid

Alcohol
Crunchy food
Popcorn
Rice
Spicy foods which can aggravate the wound

Alcohol

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is usually prohibited following any procedure. Alcohol can interfere with postoperative medication and can cause dehydration, which in turn slows the healing process.

Rice

Grains like rice can get wedged into the wound, much like the small seeds in strawberries. If you are craving carbohydrates, go with a softer option like macaroni and cheese.

The bottom line

After oral surgery, you will need to choose foods that are soft, packed with protein and rich in nutrients. Drink lots of water, and try to avoid beverages that will dehydrate you. Certain salty foods can cause dehydration as well, so steer clear of foods that are high in sodium. Prepare for oral surgery by stocking your kitchen with these foods, and plenty of water, to make sure your recovery goes smoothly.

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