The most difficult part about oral surgery like root canals and wisdom teeth removal isn’t the procedure itself. It’s the recovery period. Not only will you have trouble speaking, but it’s also a struggle to find soft, nourishing foods that you can actually eat. You can’t just consume Jell-O and ice cream and call it a day. The nutrition in the food you eat during your recovery process is also important since it ensures that you heal faster and without complications. If you don’t know where to start, this list of the best soft foods to eat after surgery will help you out.
Fish
Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, calcium, and protein. There are plenty of types of fish that are tender and easy to chew and swallow. Examples of such fish include uni (sea urchin), salmon, tuna, and cream dory. You can have them in the form of canned fish or sashimi (sliced fresh raw fish). You can also add more flavor to the fish with liquid sauces like soy sauce, lemon butter sauce, or red wine sauce.
Soup
Soups are pretty much the standard food to eat after you’ve had dental work since they’re essentially just liquid broth. Just be sure to cool down a bowl of soup before you consume it and avoid soups with solid food pieces in them such as chicken noodle soup or chickpeas soup. Mushroom, tomato, and pumpkin soup are all suitable options for post-surgery meals.
Tofu
Silken tofu and soft tofu are incredibly easy to consume and contain tons of protein and amino acids which make it a great substitute for meat and eggs. You can have them scrambled or mashed up with a bit of seasoning to replicate an omelet.
Smoothies
Smoothies are drinks made using blended fruits and vegetables. They’re incredibly filling and nutritious and very easy to prepare. All you need to do is take a solid fruit or vegetable and combine it with a liquid base like water, milk, fruit juice, or yogurt in a blender to make it creamy and smooth. Just be sure not to drink it out of a straw. You should drink it straight from the glass or spoon it into your mouth instead. There’s a number of flavor combinations you can come up with, so this is a meal you won’t get tired of.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a wholesome meal rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great way to regulate blood sugar levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Instant oatmeal is the best type of oatmeal to eat post-surgery since it ends up being the softest and mushiest after cooking. Plain oatmeal with a little honey, mashed banana, and milk is great for the first few days following your dental procedure.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a soft and creamy dish that’s great to have for your post-dental procedure recovery period. While not as healthy as the rest of the meals on this list, it still contains nutrients and carbohydrates to get you going. Most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious and filling. There’s no one right way to prepare mashed potatoes. This is a dish you can personalize by adding a variety of herbs, spices, and finely chopped toppings to your liking.
Make your post-oral surgery recovery period go by quickly and effortlessly by getting a ton of rest and indulging in these nutritious yet delicious foods.
