Best Foods for Post-Oral Procedures

Nov 13, 2019

Do you or a family member have an oral procedure scheduled in the near future? Whether it’s the application of braces on your high-schooler, a root canal for your spouse, or teeth whitening for yourself, many oral procedures require some sort of specialized diet in the hours or days afterwards. The team at Falmouth Dental Arts breaks down the dos and don’ts of post-oral procedure diets, so you can make your grocery list with ease. Let’s break down the best foods to eat after dental surgery. 

For surgeries: 

  • Do enjoy soft, easy-to-chew or no-chew foods! 
    • Smoothies and shakes (made with your favorite fruits and veggies!)
    • Soups (smooth varieties such as tomato, clear broth, or cream soups)
    • Oatmeal, mashed potatoes
    • Yogurt, ice cream, or pudding
    • Applesauce
    • Avocado
    • Bananas or other very soft fruit (mash it up!)
    • Hummus
    • Peanut butter
    • Soft scrambled eggs
    • Tofu
  • Don’t eat any spicy, chewy, crunchy, or crusty foods. The list above may look a bit bland, but sticking to it will help speed up your healing process and avoid any post-surgery complications!.
  • Keep in Mind: TEMPERATURE! Your mouth is especially sensitive after an oral procedure, so avoid foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold. Allow everything to come to a nice room-temperature before consumption. 

For teeth whitening: 

  • Do stick to the White Diet for 24 Hours! 
    • Chicken or white fish
    • Cauliflower
    • White pasta and rice
    • White cheeses
    • Bananas
    • White yogurts
    • Clear beverages
    • White toothpastes
    • Clear mouthwash
  • Don’t eat any dark foods or drinks such as red sauces, red meat, chocolate, tea, coffee, or any type of alcohol or fruit juice.

 

  • Keep in Mind: THE STAIN TEST! If a food would leave a mark or stain on a white t-shirt, it would leave a stain on your new pearly whites! Avoid it! 

For all procedures: 

  • Keep in Mind: BALANCED NUTRITION! No matter how limited these lists appear, each one has room for proteins, vegetables, and fruits, as well as healthy carbohydrates and fats. Make sure to build a healthy menu within your guidelines. Your body needs good nutrition to heal quickly and properly. You’ll be back to chewy, crunchy foods in no time!  
  • Keep in Mind: Consumption of alcohol. Many people wonder if it is safe to consume alcohol after dental surgery. You should wait at least 24 hours before drinking any sort of alcoholic beverage. 

 

Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we care about your mouth pre-procedure, in-procedure, and post-procedure! If you have specific dietary restrictions, needs, questions, or concerns, just talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They will be happy to give their food recommendations, specifically tailored to you and your particular procedure. If you have any questions, or to schedule your appointment, please call our office at 207.781.5900