What Foods Should Be Avoided After Oral Surgery?

Recovering from oral surgery requires careful attention to your diet to protect the surgical site and promote efficient and complete healing. At Leon Springs Dental Center in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Carolyn B. Walker and our skilled team provide patients with detailed postoperative care instructions, including a list of foods to avoid during recovery after oral surgery. By steering clear of specific foods — including hot items, hard and crunchy foods, and others — you can minimize discomfort, prevent complications, and support your body's natural healing process.

Do I have to change my diet after mouth surgery?

Your mouth is especially vulnerable following oral surgery, whether you've had a damaged tooth removed, trauma repaired, or jaw surgery. The foods you eat can either promote healing or disrupt it. Eating the wrong types of food may irritate the surgical site, dislodge oral surgery stitches, or increase the risk of infection after oral surgery. A carefully planned post oral surgery diet can reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and support faster recovery.

What are the foods to avoid after oral surgery?

To protect the surgical area and ensure smooth healing, it's essential to avoid certain types of food, including:

• Hard or crunchy foods, like nuts and chips
• Sticky foods and chewy candies
• Spicy foods
• Hot foods and drinks
• Carbonated beverages
• Alcohol

Avoiding these foods for the recommended recovery period can help protect the surgical site and ensure a smoother healing process.

What foods are safe after oral surgery?

While avoiding certain foods is necessary, there are plenty of safe and nutritious options to include in your diet after oral surgery, such as:

• Soft foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce
• Pureed soups and smoothies that provide nutrients without requiring chewing
• Scrambled eggs and soft fish for protein-rich meals
• Pudding and gelatin for a soothing, easy-to-eat treat

Our team at Leon Springs Dental Center will provide you with a list of recommended foods that are safe after oral surgery to help you plan your meals during recovery.

When can you eat normally after wisdom tooth surgery?

The duration for avoiding specific foods depends on the type of oral surgery you've had and your body's healing process. For most patients, it's recommended to stick to a soft-food diet for at least the first 7 – 10 days after common and uncomplicated oral surgeries. Crunchy, spicy, and other potentially irritating foods should typically be avoided until your follow-up appointment when Dr. Walker can assess your healing progress. To further support your recovery after oral surgery, consider these helpful tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid using straws to prevent dry sockets
• Follow your prescribed medication schedule to manage pain and reduce inflammation
• Rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution to keep the surgical site clean
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can significantly delay healing

Heal safely and get back to your normal routines sooner after oral surgery in San Antonio, TX

Taking the proper steps after oral surgery can make all the difference in your recovery. At Leon Springs Dental Center in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Carolyn B. Walker and our team are committed to providing compassionate care and personalized instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. If you're preparing for oral surgery or have questions about your recovery, contact us today to schedule a consultation.