It’s best to stick to soft foods following oral surgery.
It is completely normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and tenderness following wisdom teeth removal. Even if you do feel some pain after your procedure, it is very important that you eat nutritious foods to aid the recovery process. By ensuring that you eat a nutritious diet, you can minimise the risk of complications following surgery; reduce side effects like swelling; and generally support healing. Read on to find out which foods are easy (and healthy) to eat after you have had your wisdom teeth removed.
Soups
Healthy vegetable soups are a great option while you are recovering from your procedure. They are packed with nutritious ingredients and are very easy to eat as they don’t require any chewing. Make sure that you choose blended soups or broths so that you don’t have to deal with chunks that could irritate your surgical wounds. Also, don’t make your soup too hot as this could also cause some irritation in the mouth — rather stick to lukewarm or cold soups while your mouth heals.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, plus it’s easy to eat while you recover from surgery. Opt for Greek yogurt with a smooth texture to soothe your mouth. If you feel like something different, blend some Greek yoghurt with your favourite fruit to make a nutritious smoothie. To boost your protein intake, consider adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothie. If you do try a smoothie, it’s best to avoid using a straw — straws tend to create a suction in the mouth and can increase your risk of developing a dry socket.
Mashed vegetables and fruits
It’s best to avoid chewy and hard foods while your mouth heals, so soft, mashed fruits and vegetables are a good option. Mashed potatoes are packed with nutrients and provide plenty of energy while you are healing. Other foods that mash well include sweet potatoes, pumpkins, stewed apples, avocados and bananas.
Eggs and cheese
High in protein and easy to chew, scrambled eggs are a highly nutritious food. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, and are also available in omega-3-enriched varieties, which can be helpful when it comes to healing. Another high-protein food, cottage cheese makes a great snack post-surgery. It has a soft texture and is very easy to chew while you recover from your procedure. Mix it into your scrambled eggs, or enjoy it on its own.
Soft fish
If you’re looking for a protein-rich meal that’s easy to eat, cooked salmon is a good choice. The fish is typically very soft, so it shouldn’t cause any discomfort to your site of surgery. Also, it’s full of healthy fats that may help to decrease inflammation and speed up the healing process.
What to avoid
It is best to stick to soft, cool foods while you recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery. Try and avoid spicy foods that can cause pain and irritation in the mouth, as well as crunchy foods that can get stuck in your wounds. Stay away from foods that require a lot of chewing while you heal.
If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth and would to make an appointment to see us, please get in touch with us here. We offer a range of oral surgeries at our practice in Melbourne. For a full list of the procedures that we offer, please have a look here.