Diet Recommendations

Stay well hydrated. Clear liquids are good place to start. Once you comfortably have clear liquids down, you can progress to a more substantial diet.
 
It is very important to eat soft foods (about the consistency of cooked pasta).  A good indicator is if you can hear yourself chewing the food, it is probably too hard or too chewy.  No chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc. Stay away from crunchy, chewy or small hard foods even when it is not uncomfortable to eat them.  Food particles can become lodged in the socket and keep it from healing.  This would cause additional pain, swelling and infection that can result in delayed healing time.  Below are a few examples of excellent foods. 
 
Clear Liquids

  • Apple Juice
  • Ginger Ale
  • 7Up
  • Gatorade
  • Jello
  • Clear Broth

Breakfast

  • Buttermilk Pancakes
  • French Toast
  • Oatmeal
  • Yogurt
  • Cream of Wheat
  • Cereal
  • Egg & Cheese Burrito
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Cheese Omelet
  • Biscuits & Gravy

Please avoid:

  • Crunchy Cereals
  • Bacon
  • Waffles
  • Bagels
  • Grapefruit Juice

Lunch

Soups

  • Potato
  • Vegetable
  • Chicken Noodle
  • Cheese Tortellini

Soft Sandwiches

  • Tuna Salad
  • Egg Salad
  • Thinly Sliced Deli Meat
     & Cheese
  • Creamy Peanut Butter & Jelly

Other

  • Pizza (small bites/thin, soft crust)
  • Hummus on Soft Pita Bread
  • Beans & Franks
  • French Fries
  • Polenta 
 

Please avoid:

  • Crusty Bread
  • Crunchy Crackers
  • Spicy Sauces or Condiment
  • Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snacks

  • Banana with Peanut Butter
  • Fruit Smoothie
  • Milk Shakes
  • Protein Shakes
  • Soft Fruit
  • Yogurt
  • Boost or Ensure premixed drinks

Please avoid:

  • Drinking with a straw (First 48 hours)
  • Milk products immediately after surgery
  • Popcorn

 

 

 

 

Dinner

  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Bean & Cheese Burrito
  • Pasta with Garlic and Butter “Thanksgiving Dinner”
    (Turkey w/ Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing etc.)
  • Pot Roast & Vegetables
  • Chicken & Dumplings
  • Potato/Baked Sweet Potato Perogies

Please avoid:

  • Spicy, Acidic Sauces
  • Chewy Meats
  • Salads
  • Croutons