05 Jun Foods to Include in Your Recovery Following Oral Surgery
Do you have an upcoming oral surgery for dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or jaw surgery? After your procedure, it is important to follow all post-operative guidelines from your oral surgeon. One important aspect of your recovery will be to make temporary modifications to your diet. More than likely, you will be instructed to consume liquid and soft foods for a few days following your oral surgery.
Although you shouldn’t eat hard or crunchy food items, you can still maintain a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with liquids and soft foods. Following are some foods to consider eating during your recovery.
Yogurt
If you can consume dairy, consider eating yogurt – especially the Greek varieties. Yogurt is full of gut-healthy probiotics and protein. Consuming plenty of protein after your procedure will help your body heal. For those who can’t consume dairy for dietary or ethical reasons, adding vegan protein powder to smoothies can help you maintain a healthy protein intake.
Pureed and Blended Soups
If you’re a soup fan, consider having pureed and/or blended soups during your recovery. Nutrient-dense soups like pumpkin and tomato are easy to eat after oral surgery. If you’re making the soups yourself, add hefty amounts of leafy greens like spinach or kale to increase their nutritional quality.
Mashed Foods
Mashed foods like potatoes are comforting after a surgical procedure and quite easy to eat. Consider mashing steamed veggies, too. Mashing cauliflower and carrots can be just as comforting as potatoes but with less carbohydrates.
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs provide a number of important nutrients including protein, healthy omega fats, and B vitamins. They’re also quick and easy to cook. If you’re watching your cholesterol, just separate the whites from the yolks.
We recommend shopping for groceries before your surgery. Make a list of food items approved by your oral surgeon so that you can get what you need before your treatment. If you have questions about your recovery, our team is happy to help.
Call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates for questions or to make an appointment.