Soft Food Recipes – What to Eat After Oral Surgery

You did it! You got the consultation, booked the appointment, and you actually showed up on the big day. You saw the dentist and now all that has left you hungry! The question is: what can you eat after having dental work done? You need some soft food recipes!

For some of us, it’s nostalgic to remember having a frozen treat after the dentist when we were kids. Depending on how extensive your dental work is (be cautious of what you consume in the days following major dental work!), you’ll find that milkshakes only get you so far.

Many foods can be troublesome after dental surgery or extensive dental work. Ask Dr. Wince and Dr. Jeffers-Jader for recommendations about specific foods and how long you should avoid them. Wince Family Dental Associates in McPherson can be an especially helpful resource for patients navigating what to eat after dental restoration services. Here are some soft food recipes that will treat your mouth and your body well. (more…)

Undergoing dental surgery can be a challenging experience, and one of the crucial aspects of a smooth recovery process is adapting to soft food diets and easily chewable foods. Whether you’ve had a tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or other oral procedures, incorporating nourishing soft, comfort foods into your diet is essential.

 

What Foods You Should Eat After Dental Work?

Here are ten delicious and nutrient-packed soft food recipes after oral surgery that you can add to your menu:

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add butternut squash, carrots, ginger, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth using a hand blender or regular blender.
4. Stir in coconut milk if desired, and season with salt and pepper.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• Salt and cinnamon to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.
3. Add butter, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth, and it starts having a creamy texture.

3. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked and chopped spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
2. Mix ricotta, spinach, and half of the mozzarella in a bowl.
3. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture.
4. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Banana and Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 tbsp honey
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend banana, avocado, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
2. Add ice cubes if desired and blend again.

5. Quinoa and Vegetable Congee

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• Ginger and garlic minced
• Soy sauce to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Combine quinoa, broth, ginger, garlic, and vegetables in a pot.
3. Simmer until quinoa is cooked and vegetables are tender.
4. Season with soy sauce and garnish with green onions.

6. Lentil and Vegetable Purée

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine lentils, broth, onion, carrots, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are tender.
3. Blend until smooth using a hand blender or regular blender.

7. Soft Scrambled Eggs With Avocado

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 avocado, mashed

Instructions:

1. In a pan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Whisk eggs and pour into the pan.
3. Stir gently until eggs are soft and slightly creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over mashed avocado.

8. Pumpkin and Greek Yogurt Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• Pumpkin spice to taste
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and pumpkin spice until smooth.
2. Add ice cubes if desired and blend again.

9. Cauliflower and Cheese Mash

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil cauliflower until tender.
2. Mash cauliflower and mix in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and butter until creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

10. Soft Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer until flavors meld, then blend until smooth.

What Foods to Avoid After Oral Treatment or Surgery

1. Hard and Crunchy Foods

• Chips
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Hard candies

Crunchy and hard foods can irritate and potentially damage the surgical site. The chewing motion may put excessive pressure on the area, leading to discomfort and delayed healing.

2. Spicy Foods

• Spicy sauces
• Hot peppers
• Strong spices

Spicy foods can irritate the sensitive tissues in the mouth, potentially causing pain and discomfort. They may also contribute to inflammation and slow down the healing process.

3. Acidic Foods and Beverages

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
• Tomatoes and tomato-based products
• Vinegar-based dressings

Acidic foods can be harsh on healing tissues and may cause a stinging sensation. They can also increase the risk of irritation and disrupt the balance of the oral environment.

4. Seeds and Small Particles

• Popcorn
• Sesame seeds
• Chia seeds

Small particles can get lodged in the surgical site, leading to infection or discomfort. Popcorn, in particular, poses a risk of getting stuck between teeth and in the surgical area.

5. Crusty Bread and Tough Meats

• Crusty bread
• Tough cuts of meat

Chewy and tough textures can strain the jaw and potentially disrupt the healing process. Opt for soft food meals to minimize stress on the surgical site.

6. Carbonated and Caffeinated Beverages

• Soda
• Coffee
• Energy drinks

Carbonated and caffeinated beverages can be dehydrating, potentially slowing down the healing process. Additionally, the temperature and acidity of these drinks may cause discomfort.

7. Alcohol

• Beer
• Wine
• Spirits

Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may interact negatively with pain medications or antibiotics prescribed after surgery. It’s advisable to abstain from alcohol until you have fully recovered.

8. Hot Foods and Beverages

• Hot cereals or soups
• Tea or coffee served at a high temperature

Hot foods and beverages can increase blood flow to the surgical area, potentially causing additional swelling and discomfort. Opt for lukewarm or cool options instead.

9. Sticky and Gummy Foods

• Taffy
• Caramel
• Sticky candies

Sticky and gummy foods can adhere to the surgical site, posing a risk of infection and hindering the healing process. These chewy foods may also require excessive chewing, leading to discomfort.

10. Straws and Sucking Motions

Using straws and engaging in sucking motions can create negative pressure in the mouth, potentially dislodging blood clots and delaying the healing process. It’s advisable to avoid straws until you receive clearance from your oral surgeon or dentist.

Tips for a Successful Recovery

Follow Your Dentist’s Recommendations

Adhere to any dietary guidelines provided by your dentist or oral surgeon during your recovery period. They may give soft food ideas after oral surgery, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, which require minimal chewing, to safeguard any dental restoration services you may have had.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially after eating food like a high-protein meal incorporated with valuable proteins from sources like canned tuna or grilled chicken. Staying hydrated aids in maintaining a soft diet and helps in the proper healing of your gums post-surgery.

Learn Nutrient-Rich Soft Food Recipes After Oral Surgery

Look for soft recipes that use ingredients like root vegetables, ripe bananas, or even softer versions of firm tofu. These can help provide essential nutrients and vitamins to help you recuperate after a dental procedure.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Part of good oral hygiene includes being aware of food selection post-surgery and avoiding foods with a crunchy texture, like raw vegetables or certain crunchy foods that might disturb the healing process. Remember, a dry socket can occur if the surgical site is irritated.

Take Prescribed Medications

If you’ve been prescribed any, take medications as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist. Follow this with a high-protein soft food staple like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese bowl for balanced nutrition.

Rest and Allow Time for Healing

Optimal rest is an integral component of proper healing. You can incorporate soft, cold foods like a blended smoothie with frozen banana and protein powder into your daily diet, which can soothe a sore mouth and contribute to a speedy recovery.

Contact Your Dentist If Concerns Arise

Should you encounter any issues after surgery, like trouble eating soft foods like creamy soups or pureed cooked vegetables, it is crucial to contact your oral surgeon. They can help resolve the issue or suggest alternatives like a liquid diet to support your recovery.

Get Your Personalized Guidelines for a Comfortable Recovery at Wince Family Dental

By adhering to these guidelines and avoiding certain types of food and behaviors during the initial days after the dental procedure, you can enjoy a proper healing process. Remember that each individual’s recovery may vary, and it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by your oral healthcare professional for the best post-surgery experience.

To learn the best soft foods after dental work and get top-quality post-surgery care for your oral needs, reach out to the dental experts at Wince Dental.