List of 5 Categories of Foods to Avoid After Oral Surgery

Recovering from oral surgery can be a bit challenging, particularly when it comes to what you can eat. You need to know which foods to avoid after oral surgery to make sure a smooth and quick healing process and recovery. Our guide will discuss foods not to eat after oral surgery and when you can return to your regular meals. Keep reading because we’ll share some tips on soft foods to eat after tooth extraction.

When Can I Eat Normal Food Again After Oral Surgery?

If you are wondering how long after oral surgery you can eat regular food, let us put your mind at peace. The time frame varies quite a bit based on how complex your surgery was and how quickly you heal. Let us have a detailed look at what to expect:

• First 24 to 48 hours: during the first night after tooth extraction, don’t drink anything but liquids. You can eat broth, juices, and meal-replacement shakes.
• Days 3 to 7: Hopefully, you’ll be able to move on to soft foods. You can make yogurt, pudding, and scrambled eggs.
• Week 2: Your stomach might be able to handle slightly firmer foods now. The best options are soft-cooked veggies, pasta, and flaky fish.
• Weeks 3 to 4: Start reintroducing normal foods back into your diet if your doctor agrees. Start with foods that don’t require much chewing, and stay away from spicy, crunchy, and hard stuff.

What Foods to Avoid After Oral Surgery?

After an oral surgery in Avondale, Arizona, you must be mindful of what you eat to ensure a smooth recovery and transition to your previous diet. Here are some types of foods to avoid after oral surgery, with specific examples for each category:

• Hard Foods
  • The nuts you eat, like almonds, peanuts, and walnuts
  • Candies that are hard, like peppermints and lollipops
  • Carrots, broccoli, and other raw vegetables
  • Ice cubes
• Crunchy Foods
  • Snack items like potato chips and popcorn
  • Breads that are crispy, like baguettes or hard rolls
  • Crackers and biscotti
  • Crispy cereals you can’t soften with milk
• Sticky Foods
  • Candies such as Taffy and caramel
  • Sticky spreads like peanut butter and honey
  • Toffee and gummy bears and other sticky sweets
  • Chewy chocolate bars
• Spicy Foods
  • Horseradish, mustard, and other condiments
  • Dips and sauces with heat, like buffalo sauce and Sriracha
  • Snacks like jalapeño chips or spicy jerky
  • Meals with a lot of spice, like curries or spicy soups
• Extremely Hot or Cold Foods
  • Tea or coffee that’s hot, like freshly brewed
  • Soups that are served boiling hot
  • Ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other frozen treats
  • Right out of the fridge, cold drinks and smoothies

Acidic Foods to Avoid After Oral Surgery

After oral surgery, it’s important to know that there are acidic foods to avoid after oral surgery because they could irritate your wound and slow down the healing process. Here’s a list of the types of acidic foods to steer clear of:

• Tomatoes and citrus fruits: Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and tomatoes are bad for you. It’s hard on your healing tissues because of their acidity.
• Processed snacks: Be careful with snacks like flavored chips, crackers, and prepackaged foods that often contain citric acid or vinegar as preservatives, which can irritate your surgery site.
• Sodas and other acidic beverages: The acid content in sodas, some sports drinks, and fruit punches can damage sensitive mouth tissues, so it’s best to avoid them.

What Fruits to Avoid After Oral Surgery?

After oral surgery, regardless of being a normal or a wisdom tooth removal, you also need to refrain from eating some fruits that might interfere with your healing. Here is a list of fruits you should avoid until your mouth has fully recovered:

• Citrus fruits: Fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are bad for you. Acidity can irritate wounds and make them feel worse.
• Berries: Berries are indeed packed with nutrients, but their tiny seeds can get stuck in the surgical site, irritating. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries all fit into this category.
• Dried fruits: Dried fruits like raisins, dried apricots, and prunes are bad for you. You don’t want them getting stuck in your stitches or pulling on your stitches.

Healthy Foods to Eat After Oral Surgery

Aside from knowing the foods to avoid after oral surgery, you must know the right foods you can eat to significantly enhance your healing process. Let us give you another list of gentle and nourishing options to include in your diet:

• Smoothies: You can’t go wrong with them because they’re full of nutrients and are easy to eat. Don’t forget to blend them well for a smooth consistency that won’t irritate your skin.
• Broths and soups: They’re good for keeping you hydrated and gentle in your mouth. To make them soothing and easy to drink, choose broth-based varieties without large chunks of food.
• Mashed potatoes: A mashed potato is creamy, filling, and doesn’t require much chewing, so it’s a perfect post-surgery food.
• Yogurt and applesauce: They’re both cool and smooth, making them easy to eat. Besides being good for you (yogurt), they’re also a good source of protein and energy (applesauce).

What is the Best Food to Eat After Oral Surgery?

The perfect food would be nutrient-dense and soft. For example, mashed potatoes are great because they’re easy to eat, and you can add butter or cream for calories. Smoothies and soups can also keep you hydrated and nourished without straining your surgical site.

What to Eat after Oral Surgery with Stitches?

Eat soft, soothing foods after oral surgery with stitches to avoid irritating the surgical area. Smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal are all great options. A good broth or creamy soup is also good because they’re gentle and hydrating. Stay away from hard, crunchy, and spicy things, and avoid small seeds or nuts that could irritate your stitches.

Nutritional Dentistry Near Me in Avondale, Arizona

Ensure your recovery from oral surgery is as smooth and comfortable as possible. How? It is simple. Visit us at Desert Lake Dental for expert advice and personalized care and nutrition plans that put your healing first. You don’t need to navigate your post-surgery journey alone; let our team guide you through the way. Click now to book your appointment, or call 623-388-5888 and start your path to a quick, pain-free recovery!

Conclusion

If you want to recover faster after oral surgery, you’ll need to adjust your diet. Healthy, soft food can make a big difference in your healing time. You must know the foods to avoid after surgery so as not to disrupt your healing process. Follow your surgeon’s dietary guidelines, and don’t rush back to regular foods until you’re cleared.

FAQs

Can I eat eggs after oral surgery?

Yes, eggs are great after oral surgery. They’re soft and rich in protein, which helps with healing.

Are bananas good after oral surgery?

Absolutely, bananas are soft and easy on your mouth, making them a perfect post-surgery snack.

Why no dairy after oral surgery?

Dairy products are generally safe unless you’re instructed otherwise due to a risk of infection or if you’re taking certain medications that dairy might interfere with. Always talk to your surgeon for personalized advice.