Full mouth reconstruction can have numerous benefits to your overall oral health. However, the aftercare will require adjusting your diet to protect the new dental work and promote healing. In this guide, we will provide a list of soft foods that are safe and easy to eat for those with sensitive teeth and gums after a full mouth reconstruction.
Why Soft Foods Are Important After Full Mouth Reconstruction
Your dental professional will provide you with aftercare instructions after a full mouth reconstruction. While specific instructions may vary depending on the procedure, eating soft foods to protect your mouth during the initial recovery days is a guarantee. Soft foods help keep the dental work protected, promote healing, and avoid the irritation that crunchy or spicy foods could have.
Protecting Dental Work
The last thing you want is for any carefully done dental work to be ruined during aftercare. Eating soft foods helps minimize the risk of damaging crowns, implants, or sutures during those critical first few days of healing.
Promoting Healing
Nutrient-rich, easy-to-chew foods support tissue recovery, reduce the strain on your jaw after reconstruction, and promote more natural healing. Soft foods can minimize the risk of any complications and help you recover faster.
Avoiding Irritation
Eating soft foods helps prevent unnecessary strain on sensitive areas. They can help reduce the risk of dislodging a blood clot or irritating the gums and can ensure you don’t suffer from dry socket.
Top Soft Foods to Include in Your Post-Reconstruction Diet
From high-protein options to fruits and veggies to carbs, and even sweets and comfort foods, eating a soft food diet still can provide you with plenty of variety during your recovery period. Here are some specific foods to focus on after your mouth reconstruction.
High-Protein Options
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Protein shakes
- Soft fish like salmon
- Hummus
- Meatloaf
- Tuna or chicken salad
- Deli meat
Fruits and Vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Pureed soups
- Steamed carrots
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Mushy peas
Carbohydrates for Energy
- Oatmeal
- Soft bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Tofu
Comfort Foods
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Popsicles
Foods to Avoid During Recovery
While eating soft foods can promote healing and speed up your recovery, eating hard foods can do the opposite. Here are some foods to avoid during your recovery period from full mouth reconstruction.
Hard or Crunchy Foods
- Nuts
- Chips
- Raw vegetables
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Hard crackers
- Pretzels
Sticky or Chewy Foods
- Gum
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Steak
- Jerky
- Chewy chocolate bars
- Bagels or other foods with seeds
Acidic or Spicy Foods
- Citrus fruits
- Tomato-based dishes
- Spicy foods of any kind
- Pickles
- Vinegar
Overly Hot or Cold Foods
- Coffee
- Tea
- Frozen yogurt
- Ice cream
- Ice chips
How to Eat Comfortably After Full Mouth Reconstruction
Choosing the right foods is the first step in ensuring you’re healing properly from a full mouth reconstruction. However, there are also things you can do while eating to reduce the risk of irritation and discomfort, such as:
- Take small bites: Breaking your food down into small bites can prevent large pieces from finding their way into the extraction site.
- Use both sides of your mouth: Alternate sides of your mouth when chewing to distribute pressure evenly and protect sensitive areas.
- Maintain proper hygiene after eating: Rinse your mouth with water or a dentist-recommended solution to remove food particles and keep your mouth clean. You should also continue to brush regularly, being gentle around sensitive areas.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps support healing after reconstruction and prevents dry mouth, which is common after dental procedures.
How Long Should You Stick to Soft Foods?
A soft food diet can play a key role in recovery from full mouth reconstruction. But how long should you stick with it? Here are some of the biggest factors to consider when deciding when to transition away from a soft food diet.
Recovery Timeline
A standard recovery period from a full mouth reconstruction is 1-2 weeks. However, this can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the guest’s overall oral health, and how closely the aftercare instructions are being followed. If you’re still feeling discomfort, it’s best to continue to stick with a soft food diet or consult your dentist for a more thorough recommendation.
Gradual Transition to Regular Foods
When moving away from soft foods to a more traditional diet, it’s best to slowly reintroduce firmer foods instead of making a hard transition. As you feel more comfortable and are not in pain, try eating one or two firmer foods per day while otherwise maintaining a soft food diet, and see how your body reacts.
Follow Your Dentist’s Recommendations
After your full mouth reconstruction, your dentist will provide a recommendation on when they expect you should be able to transition away from a soft food diet. Always consult your dentist before making any dietary changes during that period, even if you feel as though you are completely recovered.
Nutritional Considerations for Optimal Healing
Eating nutritious foods after a full mouth reconstruction can help promote healing and speed up the recovery process. Nutritious foods also help reduce the risk of infection and provide nutrients to repair tissue. Here are some important nutritional tips to keep in mind following a mouth reconstruction
- Focus on balanced meals: Incorporate proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, iron, and Vitamin C to support a balanced recovery.
- Add supplements if needed: When eating is physically difficult, you can give your body the nutrients it needs by consuming protein powders or multivitamins.
- Avoid sugary foods: Too many sugary foods can increase the risk of infection or complications during the healing process.
Full Mouth Reconstruction is Available At Your Local Ideal Dental
Sticking to a soft food diet after a full mouth reconstruction is essential for protecting the work done during the procedure and promoting healing. Choosing the right foods, avoiding the bad ones, and maintaining a nutritious diet can help you make a smooth recovery. Contact Ideal Dental for a more personalized dietary recommendation and guidance during your recovery.