What Foods Should I Avoid After Oral Surgery?

It can be painful to even open your mouth after oral surgery, let alone chow down on a tough steak. Take extreme caution when choosing what to eat.

Although many oral surgeries are not considered major surgery, they are unique in nature because of their direct impact on your ability to eat. Here are some helpful tips in knowing what to avoid.

Avoid These Foods After Oral Surgery

As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid foods that are tough, crunchy or chewy for about seven days after your surgery and while you recover. Foods that are overly hard or brittle can be painful on a tender mouth. Avoid these foods, as well as any others that are difficult to chew:

• Pizza
• Rice
• Popcorn
• Meat, especially tough and chew meats
• Apples
• Chewy candy
• Chips
• Hard and dense breads

It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that are spicy or acidic. These foods can cause pain during and after eating. Additionally, you will most likely be on pain medication for a few days following your surgery so it’s important to avoid alcohol during that time.

Eat This Instead!

Though it may be tempting to grab a hamburger when you’re feeling hungry after surgery, there are some much better options for you and your mouth. Typically, for the first -3 days following your oral surgery, your surgeon will recommend a liquid only diet. These days can be challenging to get the proper nutrition, but try to maintain balance with foods like broths, juices and the occasional slushie. After the first phase of healing has passed and you get the go-ahead to start incorporating more soft foods into your diet, try some of these foods:

• Oatmeal or cream of wheat
• Yogurt
• Soup with soft vegetables, purees, broths or cream soups
• Protein shakes
• Applesauce
• Refried beans
• Soft scrambled eggs
• Shakes and smoothies
• Pudding
• Very soft pastas
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft cooked vegtables
• Hummus

According to the American Dental Association, it’s important to seek out nutrient-rich foods including eggs and beans whenever possible to provide the vitamins and nutrients needed for healing after dental surgery. Most of the time, patients are able to resume their normal diet after seven days of eating soft foods only.

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here

Undergoing oral surgery is no small thing, and it’s normal to feel apprehensive at the prospect. Our team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is here to help every step of the way, from the initial consultation all the way to the follow-up visits, our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you are feeling anxious or have any concerns about care or diet after oral surgery, just let us know and we’ll take the time to answer any and all of your questions. We service the greater Salt Lake County area and have offices in Cottonwood Heights, West Jordan, and Tooele in Utah. Contact us today for your free consultation!