South Birmingham Times

Part II in a II Part SeriesWhat (and How) to Eat When You're Having Dental Issues

What to Eat If You Have...

Oral Surgery and ImplantsYour nutrition and dietary needs following oral surgery or getting implants depend on factors including your nutritional status prior to your procedure, the extent of your procedure, how much impact there is on oral function, and how long your recovery is expected to last. A liquid or soft foods diet may be required for a few days or longer until your mouth heals. Opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats, eggs, and beans whenever possible since they provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for healing, including zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.

Try these foods:

• scrambled eggs

• oatmeal or cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)

• soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups

• soft cheeses, including cottage cheese

• smoothies and milkshakes

• pudding and custard

• meatloaf

• mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition

• sorbet and frozen yogurt

• tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming)

• yogurt

• soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat

• protein shakes

• tofu

• ripe fruits, cut into pieces like peaches and nectarines

• couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice

• pasta and noodles

• polenta

• baked apples

• peanut butter

• chicken or tuna salad

• refried or mashed canned beans

• avocado

• applesauce

• macaroni and cheese

• pancakes

• soft bread

• saltines and matzoh

• mashed bananas

• cooked veggies, like carrots, squash, green beans, spinach and other greens

• spinach soufflé

• hummus

• canned or cooked fruit

Problems Chewing

Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities, and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.

Problems Swallowing

Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.

If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:

• alcoholic beverages

• extremely hot foods and beverages

• caffeine

• spicy foods

• popcorn

• bran cereal

• nuts

• cottage cheese (unless pureed)

• skins of fruits

• celery

• dry, crumbly, or sticky foods (such as bread, cake, peanut butter, and banana)

Depending on the level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:

• Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin, and broth.

• Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup, and vegetable juices. 

• Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like yogurt, tomato sauce, and honey.

• Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard, or hot cereal.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/nutrition-concerns

Original source can be found here.