The Best Foods to Have (and Avoid) After Dental Treatment

Whether you just received temporary veneers or crowns, you’re probably thinking it’s okay to load up on cold and soft treats like ice cream and frozen yogurt. However, just because you recently received dental treatment doesn’t mean you should put the rest of your teeth at risk of cavities! When it comes time to purchase groceries following your dental appointment, keep these healthy options in mind – your smile will thank you!

Why a Soft Food Diet Matters

Soft food not only reduces the risk of your temporary restoration staying in place, but it makes it easier for your mouth to heal more effectively. Many harsh foods can irritate the treatment site, causing complications that can even lead to dental emergencies in the most severe cases. Additionally, eating tough foods can be hard on your mouth and jaw, both of which can be sore after certain procedures.

Thankfully, there are many healthy options available to you following a dental treatment. Consider them below ahead of your next appointment!

The Best Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work

Keep in mind that you don’t need to give up nutrition or put your oral health at risk just to avoid problems. Some of the most common recommendations include:

• Pureed or creamy soups (cold)
• Soft cheeses (such as cottage cheese)
• Oatmeal and cream of wheat
• Yogurt
• Soft scrambled eggs
• Fruit smoothies and shakes
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft-cooked noodles
• Whitefish (such as tilapia or cod)
• Steamed soft veggies like squash or peas
• Polenta or grits
• Soft fruits (like bananas)

These options are ideal because not only are they easy on your mouth, but they contain many vitamins and minerals essential to long-term oral health.

Foods to Avoid After Dental Treatment

Even though you may see it as an excuse to enjoy much more ice cream than you usually do, resist the urge so you can prevent cavities. Below, you’ll find a list of the most harmful foods on your mouth. Avoid these at all costs to promote the most efficient healing possible:

• Hard candy
• Biscuits, chips, and/or crackers
• Chocolate bars
• Raw fruits or vegetables (while healthy, their texture is rough on teeth)
• Ice cubes
• Crunchy bread or hard toast
• Tough meats (like steak)
• Sticky foods (chewing gum, taffy, caramel, etc.)

Once you have your follow-up appointment, the dentist can confirm if it’s okay for you to end your soft food diet. That way, you don’t prolong the healing process any longer than you need to.

About McNew Dental

The dentists of McNew Dental are happy to recommend the best aftercare tips following your dental procedure. Whether you’ve just received temporary veneers or crowns or underwent a more complex procedure like dental implants, they can provide the best steps to take as part of your healing. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.