Baby tooth extractions, fillings, nerve treatments, and crowns all have a minimum of one thing in common: they’re all dental procedures. These and other dental procedures, while important, can leave your mouth feeling sore and tender afterward. As such, some foods are better than others when it comes to eating after you’ve had a procedure done.
Eat These
It’s not uncommon to feel some level of discomfort after a dental procedure. Because of this, you’re going to want to gravitate towards softer foods. Things like mashed potatoes, apple sauce, yogurt, and eggs can be great choices. Need some protein? Fish is soft, yet nutritious. Deli meats, meatloaf, and a chicken or tuna sandwich without the celery would work too. Feel free to munch on soft cheeses, well-cooked vegetables and pastas, and oatmeal. Want something sweet? If you want an excuse to eat foods typically reserved for desserts, pudding, ice cream, milkshakes (eaten with a spoon, not a straw), and cookies soaked in milk until they are soft will be gentle on your mouth. You could even try a popsicle. You might find the cold temperature soothing. Just be sure to drink lots of water and gently rinse your mouth as needed.
Avoid These
While some foods can be beneficial, either in terms of comfort, health, or both, others should be avoided, at least for a time. For adults, foods or drinks with caffeine, carbonation, alcohol, or are especially hot can be painful to consume after a dental procedure. Avoid things that require the use of a straw. You’ll want to steer clear of spicy and acidic foods, as well as those that have seeds. The last thing you’ll want is to have to dig seeds out of sensitive oral tissue. These types of foods can irritate your gums, teeth, and mouth in general. Given how sensitive you could be, that’s definitely something you won’t want to deal with.
Food is crucial to life, yet some foods are better than others when it comes to giving you what you need. That can mean a few different things, whether you’re looking for something that is primarily healthy and nutritious, or something that will be easy on your mouth after you’ve had a dental procedure done. Just be careful with what you choose to eat so you’ll have an easier time of it in the hours (or days, depending on the procedure) following your appointment.
Check out other post-op tips and info here.