Not only is your mouth responsible for your smile, speech and ability to eat, it affects the rest of your body, such as your heart. So, making sure you eat dental-friendly foods to help the recovery process along can also help improve your overall health.
After oral surgery, people's ability to tolerate various food consistencies will differ. Depending on the surgery or pain level, eating completely blended foods – such as smooth soup or smoothies – at first may be a prudent move. Gently progress to foods with a soft, but chunkier consistency.
Here are eight delicious soft foods to eat after dental work:
Acai smoothie bowl
Considered by many to be a superfood, acai berries are a health-promoting, nutrient-dense food, chock full of antioxidants, vitamin C and calcium.
Scrambled eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, selenium and vitamin B12. They can be made in a pinch and give you the fuel to go about your day, but also help your body heal.
While scrambled eggs are a great soft food staple for oral procedure patients, that's not the only way to prepare an egg that's easy on a sore mouth. Deviled eggs are a great alternative too.
Butternut squash soup or stew
Soup and stews are a filling and satisfying go-to when you need something tooth-friendly and soft to eat. On top of being a comforting post-dental surgery dish, butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C, magnesium and potassium.
Lemon butter fish
Fish can be an overlooked ally to those looking to eat a soft foods diet. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids and tooth-friendly nutrients like vitamin D and phosphorus, fish can be a delicious addition to a pescatarian take on a post-oral surgery meal.
Soft food delight
Tofu is a nutrient-dense food and favorite of those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. It has little taste itself, which makes it a versatile protein source that can be used in a variety of dishes and is a great meat substitute.
Steamed broccoli
Adding broccoli to your diet is a smart move because it's a powerhouse with calcium, vitamin C and protein. When cooked until it's soft, this cruciferous vegetable is a tooth-friendly food that is low in the types of sugar and starch that lead to cavities.
You can use cauliflower instead of broccoli. And if the pieces are too much for your mouth, you can always mash it.
Cottage cheese bowl
This tasty recipe featuring cottage cheese is packed with protein and a perfect no-cook option for breakfast or lunch.
Sweet almond ricotta with raspberries
Ricotta is full of the calcium your teeth and jawbone need to stay strong, as well as selenium and vitamins A, E, D and B12. In addition, it is low in sugars and starches that are associated with tooth decay.
Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Finding ways to incorporate tooth-friendly nutrients – such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D – into your daily diet, as well as maintaining good oral health hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, will help keep dental issues at bay.
(Reference: 8 Soft Foods and Recipes Safe for Post Dental Surgery, Paul Wynn, USNEWS)