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What Foods Should I Eat After Oral Surgery?

After oral surgery, you may experience soreness and weakness in your jaw, making it difficult to chew. Depending on the severity of your surgery, this feeling can last from a few hours to weeks. For instance, if you’re getting multiple teeth extracted, you may be unable to eat solid foods for at least one week. 

So, what foods can you eat after a dental procedure? Find out in today’s blog. 

Why Are Some Foods Off Limits After Oral Surgery?

Although no one likes feeling restricted, you should stick to your oral surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. There are several foods you won’t be able to eat, either because they’re too hard to chew or are sticky. It’s essential to avoid them because you don’t want to injure yourself and spend more time at your oral surgeon’s office. Right now isn’t the time to fret over your diet.

Remember, you’re healing from major surgery, and recoveries are complicated. To help you through this tough time, we have compiled a list of foods you can enjoy.  

1. Smoothies

Most people will tell you to load up on ice cream pints to make milkshakes, but as professionals, we’re here to tell you that may not be the best idea. Even if you have a sweet tooth, your oral surgeon will prescribe a strong dose of antibiotics; if you eat too many sweet foods while on antibiotics, it can damage your gut microbiome. 

We’re not discouraging you from making smoothies, but you should use a blend of probiotic-rich yogurt, frozen fruits, and cocoa powder. Keep in mind; you can’t use a straw until you heal, so add milk or water to your smoothies to ensure they have a thin consistency. 

2. Soups

You probably guessed soup would be on our list—and you’re right. However, not all soups are enjoyable after a dental procedure. If you’re like most people, you associate chicken noodle soup with recovering from illness, but you shouldn’t eat this after surgery. Avoid eating chunky add-ins, such as chicken, until you can move your jaw without feeling pain. 

Use a strainer for the first few days to separate noodles, meat, and vegetables from your soup. Add them back into your broth after you chop them into smaller pieces or blend them. 

3. Eggs

Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to go back to the basics. We recommend you make a plate of soft-scrambled eggs. Stir your eggs until they’re barely firm and add your favorite cheese to give them more flavor. Transfer onto your favorite plate. Your eggs should continue cooking as they cool down. It’s a hearty, easy meal to make while you recover. 

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here for You

Oral surgery might sound frightening, but an experienced surgeon will listen to your needs and help you with post-operative care. At Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah, you can count on our-board certified oral surgeons to put your needs first. We specialize in tooth extraction, dental implant insertion, corrective jaw surgery, bone grafting, and more. 

We have offices in Cottonwood Heights, South Jordan, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today

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