Many dental procedures require you to make temporary modifications to your diet. For example, your dental team will probably urge you to avoid hard and tough foods. Instead, you should eat softer items that require little to no chewing. You might be tempted to fill up on things like ice cream and milkshakes. While those items are fine as treats, it would be more beneficial to eat healthy while on a soft diet. How can you do that? Here are some tips:
Keep Up with Your Vegetable Intake
Most raw vegetables may be off-limits after a dental procedure, but if you cook your vegetables until they are soft, they should be safe to eat. You can try roasting them in the oven with a bit of oil and some seasoning, or you could steam them. Boiling them or sautéing them could also work.
Get Enough Protein
Protein is highly satisfying, and it helps to repair tissues throughout the body. Some forms of protein can be a bit tough to chew when your mouth is sore or you are wearing temporary crowns or veneers. Fortunately, you still have plenty of options. Tender chicken breast, ground lean meats, eggs, and beans can be great protein choices.
Incorporate Whole Grain and Fiber
Whole grain sources of carbohydrates usually have lots of fiber, which is important for digestive health and satiety. You could have a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast (put in a dollop of nut butter for added protein and healthy fats). You could also eat soft, whole-grain bread. Be sure to avoid hard or crunchy sources of whole grain, like wheat crackers and popcorn.
Sip on Some Soup
Pureed soups, cream soups, and soups with soft ingredients are all good choices after a dental procedure. For optimal nutritional value, choose something with a good amount of protein, lots of veggies, and a relatively low sodium content.
The Temperature of Your Food Matters, Too
Your oral tissues may be sensitive for a few days (or longer) after your appointment, so extremely hot or cold foods might cause some irritation. Be careful when you are eating so you do not cause yourself unnecessary discomfort. You might have to let your soup cool off for a while or eat some slightly cool pudding instead of a bowl of frozen fruit sorbet.
A soft diet does not have to be boring or overly restrictive! Use the above tips to enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals after dental treatments.
Meet the Practice
The experts at Wellesley Dental Group are eager to help patients enjoy optimal oral health. That is why we offer a comprehensive range of treatments in our comfortable, modern office. If you have questions about how to care for your smile after a particular procedure, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our friendly team at 781-691-4914.