Proper nutrition after oral surgery helps to ensure proper healing of the surgical site, but it may be difficult to get following oral surgery because of pain swelling and bleeding in the mouth. However, with proper planning and meal preparation, it is possible to get the nutrition you need without harming the surgical site or causing undue pain.
Step 1
Start drinking as soon as possible following your surgery; however, you must wait for the mouth numbness to wear off before attempting to drink. Atlanta Dental Group suggests drinking instant breakfast shakes or meal replacement shakes from a cup. Avoid drinking from a straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site.
Step 2
Eat soft foods, such as pudding, ice cream, soft scrambled eggs or flaky fish. Don't choose any foods that are heavily seasoned or acidic foods, as these foods may irritate the surgical site. When you chew these foods, chew on the side away from the surgical site for at least two days, according to Sleep Dentists of South Florida.
Step 3
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater after eating, starting the day after surgery. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt into a glass of warm water to make the saltwater solution, recommends Suffolk Oral Surgery.
Step 4
Add solid foods into your diet slowly starting the second day following surgery; however, don't push yourself to eat too much too fast. Until the surgical site is completely healed, hot foods and foods that may get stuck in the surgical site such as popcorn and nuts must be avoided.
Tips and Warnings
- To combat nausea and oral pain, eat small meals every two to three hours.
- Avoid dieting for at least two to three weeks following surgery to ensure proper healing. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that the average person needs 15 calories per pound of body weight per day.
