Do you have temporary veneers or crowns? Have you recently undergone oral surgery? If you need to stick to a soft-food diet for one reason or another, it may seem challenging to put together a meal plan for the week when you have to eliminate many of your favorite ingredients. Fortunately, just because you need to stick to softer foods doesn’t mean you can’t have a nutritious diet. Here are ideas for the time being.
Why Is a Soft-Food Diet Necessary?
Eating soft foods after dental surgery is necessary to ensure proper health. Ultimately, sticking to softer foods helps to prevent the surgical site or temporary restoration from being irritated during this time. If you’ve undergone oral surgery, your mouth may be particularly sore, so eating soft foods can prevent additional discomfort while your mouth is still healing.
What Should I Eat While on a Soft-Food Diet?
While you may feel limited, there are still plenty of healthy options that you can enjoy on a soft-food diet. Here are some ideas:
Breakfast
- Scrambled Eggs: Scrambled eggs are an excellent breakfast option. They are soft and an efficient source of protein. They also have plenty of other nutrients, including vitamin D.
- Hot Cereals: Fortified oatmeal, cream of wheat, and grits are soft to eat, and they contain essential vitamins and minerals.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is high in protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics.
Lunch and Dinner
For your heartier meals of the day, consider some of the following options:
- Soft Fish: Canned tuna is soft, and it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and various essential vitamins and minerals.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are easy to eat, and they can be seasoned to your liking.
- Pasta: Pasta doesn’t require much chewing, and you can mix in your favorite sauce, like a creamy garlic alfredo or pesto.
- Canned Veggies: To get a healthy intake of vegetables, try canned peas, corn, baked beans, or green beans.
- Soft Bread: While this may not be the best time to enjoy a baguette, easy-to-chew bread is still a good option.
- Soup: If you are looking for a lighter option, there are many soup options available at your local grocery store. If you would prefer, you could even make your own!
You don’t need to have a tasteless diet of empty calories at this time. With some planning, you can create meals that are both delicious and nutritious!
About the Author
Dr. David C. Parsons earned his dental doctorate from the Baylor School of Dentistry and has undergone hundreds of hours in continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Kansas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Winfield, visit his website or call (620) 221-0730.