Ouch! Dental surgery got your jaw feeling like it’s been through a boxing match?
Don’t worry, I’ve got a secret weapon for you – food! But not just any grub.
I’m talking about 60+ soft, delicious eats that’ll keep you nourished without the pain. Ready to turn your recovery into a culinary adventure?
Why Soft Foods Matter After Dental Surgery
First things first – you might wonder why you need to stick to soft foods after your dental work. Well, it’s simple.
Your mouth needs time to heal, and hard or crunchy foods can hurt or even damage the surgical site.
Soft foods are gentle on your tender gums and won’t get stuck in places they shouldn’t. Plus, they’re easier to eat when your mouth is sore.
60+ Soft Foods After Surgery Teeth
Dairy Delights
Dairy products are often a go-to after dental surgery. They’re soft, nutritious, and can even help soothe your mouth. Here are some great options:
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is a superstar after dental surgery. It’s smooth, cool, and packed with protein and probiotics. I love Greek yogurt for its extra protein punch.
You can even make your own delicious yogurt at home with the Ultimate Probiotic Yogurt Maker with Adjustable Time & Temp Control.
This handy device allows you to create trillions of live probiotics using two 1-quart containers, perfect for making larger batches.
Enjoy it plain or add some mashed fruit for flavor!
2. Cottage Cheese
This is another protein powerhouse. It’s soft and easy to eat, plus it’s versatile.
You can mix it with applesauce or other pureed fruits for a tasty treat.
I absolutely love 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Cottage Cheese (16 Ounce)!
With 12 grams of protein and only 110 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious choice for recovery.
Made from USDA Organic ingredients, this cottage cheese is vegetarian and kosher, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Enjoy its creamy texture as you heal!
3. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is super smooth and creamy. You can eat it plain or use it in soft pasta dishes. It’s a great way to get some calcium and protein.
4. Milk
Don’t forget about good old milk! It’s easy to drink and full of nutrients. You can have it cold or warm, whatever feels best on your sore mouth.
5. Kefir
If you haven’t tried kefir, now’s your chance. It’s like drinkable yogurt and it’s full of probiotics. It’s smooth and tangy, and you might find it soothing.
6. Soft Cheese
Cheeses like brie or camembert are soft enough to eat after surgery. Just make sure they’re at room temperature so they’re extra creamy.
7. Ice Cream
Here’s some good news – ice cream is on the menu! The cold can help reduce swelling, and it’s a real mood-booster. Just avoid any with nuts or hard mix-ins.
8. Pudding
Pudding is smooth, sweet, and easy to eat. You can make it from a mix or buy it ready-made. Chocolate, vanilla, or whatever flavor you like – it’s all good!
Fantastic Fruits
Fruits are great after surgery because they’re full of vitamins and can help keep you hydrated. Here are some fruit options that are easy on your mouth:
9. Mashed Bananas
Bananas are a perfect post-surgery fruit. They’re naturally soft, and you can mash them up even more. They’re full of potassium and can help you feel full.
10. Applesauce
Applesauce is smooth, sweet, and easy to eat. It’s also full of fiber and vitamin C. You can buy it or make your own by cooking and pureeing apples.
11. Pureed Peaches
Peaches are delicious when pureed. They’re sweet and packed with vitamins. You can use canned peaches or cook fresh ones until they’re soft.
12. Pureed Pears
Like peaches, pears puree nicely. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can cook them until they’re soft and then blend them up.
13. Mashed Avocado
Avocados are full of healthy fats and so creamy. Mash them up and eat them plain or use them as a spread on soft bread.
14. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to pack in lots of nutrition. Just be sure to avoid seeds and use soft fruits. You can add protein powder or yogurt for extra nutrition.
15. Fruit Sorbet
Sorbet is like a fruitier version of ice cream. It’s cold and soothing, and it can help you stay hydrated. Just make sure there are no chunks of fruit in it.
Versatile Vegetables
Veggies are important for your health, and there are plenty of ways to make them soft and easy to eat:
16. Mashed Potatoes
Good old mashed potatoes are perfect after dental surgery. They’re soft, filling, and you can add butter or gravy for extra flavor and calories.
17. Pureed Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamins, and when you puree them, they’re easy to eat. Cook them until they’re really soft, then blend them up.
18. Pureed Squash
Squash, like butternut or acorn, purees beautifully. It’s naturally sweet and full of nutrients. You can add a bit of butter and cinnamon for extra flavor.
19. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular potatoes.
They’re packed with vitamins and have a natural sweetness. Mash them up with a bit of butter and maybe some cinnamon.
20. Creamed Spinach
Spinach is super nutritious, and when it’s creamed, it’s easy to eat. You can make it yourself or buy it frozen and heat it up.
21. Pureed Peas
Peas might surprise you – when they’re pureed, they’re smooth and tasty. They’re also full of protein and fiber.
Protein-Packed Options
Protein is crucial for healing, so don’t skimp on it. Here are some soft protein sources:
22. Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a protein powerhouse, and when they’re scrambled, they’re easy to eat. Cook them with a bit of milk to make them extra soft.
23. Soft Tofu
Tofu is a great option if you’re vegetarian or vegan. It’s naturally soft and can be flavored in many ways. Try silken tofu for the smoothest texture.
24. Refried Beans
Beans are full of protein and fiber. Refried beans are smooth and easy to eat. You can heat them up and add some cheese if you like.
25. Hummus
Hummus is made from chickpeas and it’s super smooth. It’s packed with protein and flavor. You can eat it on its own or use it as a dip for soft bread.
26. Pureed Chicken
If you’re a meat-eater, pureed chicken is a good option. Cook the chicken until it’s very tender, then blend it up with some broth or gravy.
27. Pureed Fish
Fish is naturally soft and flakes easily. You can cook it and mash it up with a fork, or puree it if you need it even softer.
28. Egg Salad
Egg salad can be a good option if you mash it up really well. Just be sure there are no large chunks that could irritate your mouth.
Gentle Grains
Grains can provide energy and fiber. Here are some soft grain options:
29. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a classic soft food. It’s filling and nutritious. You can make it with milk for extra protein and add mashed fruit for flavor.
30. Cream of Wheat
This is another hot cereal option. It’s smooth and easy to eat. You can add a bit of honey or mashed fruit for sweetness.
31. Grits
If you’re in the South, you might prefer grits. They’re smooth and comforting. Add some butter or cheese for extra flavor and calories.
32. Soft, Cooked Rice
Rice can be a good option if you cook it until it’s very soft. You can even mash it up a bit more if needed. Try mixing it with some pureed vegetables or soft meat.
33. Porridge
Porridge is like oatmeal’s cousin. It’s smooth and comforting. You can make it with different grains for variety.
34. Soft Bread
While you should avoid crusty bread, soft bread can be okay. Just be sure to remove the crusts and maybe even soak it in milk or broth to make it extra soft.
35. Pancakes
Believe it or not, pancakes can work if they’re very soft. Soak them well in syrup to make them easy to eat. Just be careful not to chew too much.
Soothing Soups
Soups are perfect after dental surgery. They’re easy to eat and can be packed with nutrition. Here are some options:
36. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is smooth and comforting. It’s also full of vitamins. You can add some cream to make it even smoother and more filling.
37. Cream of Mushroom Soup
This soup is rich and creamy. It’s filling and has a nice savory flavor. You can puree it extra smooth if needed.
38. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is naturally sweet and smooth. It’s packed with vitamins and has a comforting flavor.
39. Potato Leek Soup
This soup is creamy and flavorful. It’s filling and easy to eat. You can puree it until it’s super smooth.
40. Chicken Broth
Sometimes, simple is best. Chicken broth is soothing and can help keep you hydrated. You can sip it or use it as a base for other soups.
41. Vegetable Broth
If you’re vegetarian or just want a change, vegetable broth is a good option. It’s light but still nutritious.
42. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup can be a good source of protein and fiber. Just be sure to puree it well so there are no whole lentils to worry about.
Delightful Desserts
Who says you can’t have dessert after surgery? Here are some sweet treats that are easy on your mouth:
43. Custard
Custard is smooth, creamy, and delicious. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium. You can have it warm or cold.
44. Jell-O
Jell-O is easy to eat and can be soothing. Plus, it comes in lots of flavors so you won’t get bored.
45. Mousse
Chocolate or fruit mousse can be a luxurious treat. It’s light and airy, so it’s easy to eat.
46. Flan
Flan is like custard’s fancy cousin. It’s smooth and creamy with a caramel flavor.
47. Soft Pudding Pops
If you freeze pudding, you get a cool, soothing treat. It’s like ice cream but even smoother.
48. Melted Chocolate
A little bit of melted chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth. Just let it cool a bit so it doesn’t hurt your mouth.
Beneficial Beverages
Staying hydrated is super important after surgery. Here are some drinks that can help:
49. Protein Shakes
Protein shakes can help you get the nutrition you need when eating is tough. You can buy them ready-made or make your own.
50. Meal Replacement Drinks
These drinks are designed to give you all the nutrients of a meal. They can be really helpful if you’re struggling to eat enough.
51. Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juice is packed with vitamins. Just make sure to choose smooth varieties without pulp.
52. Fruit Nectar
Fruit nectars are sweeter and thicker than juice. They can be a good way to get some fruit nutrition. Again, avoid any with pulp.
Miscellaneous Munchies
Here are a few more soft foods that didn’t fit into the other categories:
53. Mashed Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables are already soft, and mashing them makes them even easier to eat. Peas, carrots, and green beans can all work.
54. Soft Cooked Pasta
If you cook pasta until it’s very soft, it can be easy to eat. Small shapes like orzo or pastina work best. You can add some pureed sauce for flavor.
55. Polenta
Polenta is made from cornmeal and it’s naturally soft. You can eat it plain or add some cheese or pureed vegetables.
56. Risotto
If you cook risotto until it’s very soft, it can be a good option. It’s creamy and flavorful. Just be sure there are no hard bits of vegetables or cheese.
57. Soft, Canned Fruits
Many canned fruits are soft enough to eat after surgery. Peaches, pears, and mandarin oranges can all work. Just avoid any with tough skins or seeds.
58. Pureed Soups
Almost any soup can work if you puree it smooth. This gives you lots of options for flavors and nutrition.
59. Thin Nut Butters
If you thin out peanut butter or almond butter with a bit of milk, it can be easy to eat. It’s a good source of protein and healthy fats.
60. Soft, Cooked Lentils
If you cook lentils until they’re very soft, they can be a good source of protein and fiber. You can mash them up or puree them into a soup.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your mouth is on a healing journey. These soft foods are your trusty companions along the way.
Listen to your body, follow your dentist’s advice, and don’t rush back to crunchy snacks.
Before you know it, you’ll be back to chomping on your favorites. For now, enjoy this chance to explore new, gentle flavors. Happy healing!
