I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
The appointment is on the books and the date is fast approaching – those wisdom teeth of yours are coming out. The dentist or oral surgeon who performs your wisdom teeth removal will give you instructions for what to do/not do following the procedure. Follow those instructions.
If you're getting a little bored with just Jell-o and ice cream, here are some other soft food ideas that might sound good to you:
Applesauce – can be purchased ready made, or you could cook up some fresh apples, sugar, and water to make delicious homemade applesauce.
Beans – are soft and loaded with protein
Cheesecake – may be just the soft dessert treat you need to feel a little better.
Cottage cheese – can be eaten alone or topped with fresh fruit.
Grits – can be cooked slow on the stove top or prepared as instant grits. For added flavor, add scrambled eggs. Grits have those little "bits." If those get stuck in the places where your gums are healing, you may want to wait a little while to add them to your diet.
Hummus – is smooth and also a good source of protein.
Instant Pudding – is simple to make and there's lots of variety in the flavors.
Mashed Potatoes – are comfort food for many people. Jazz them up a little with some added sour cream or grated cheese.
Oatmeal – is hearty and gives you that filled-up feeling. Like grits, the little "bits" in oatmeal can get stuck in the places where your gums are healing. So you may want to save the oatmeal until your mouth is a little more healed.
Pasta – cooked and topped with just a little melted butter is a tasty, simple choice.
Scrambled eggs – also give you that boost of protein that helps speed healing.
Sherbet -- is easy to eat, and the cold can help soothe the pain and swelling.
Smoothies – are easy to make mixing fresh or frozen fruit with yogurt and ice in your blender. Add some protein powder for extra nutritional punch.
Soup – flavors are plentiful. For a person nursing tender gums, carrot, chicken noodle, tomato, cream of chicken, or cream of celery soups are especially good choices.
Yogurt – offers lots of choices with regular or Greek yogurt and plain flavors or fruit blends.
Some foods and drinks should definitely be avoided while your mouth is healing from wisdom teeth removal. Steer clear of extremely hot or cold liquids, alcohol, or crunchy foods like chips and nuts. Also avoid drinking your liquids through a straw in the early days following the procedure. For more tips on what to eat or what to avoid eating, talk to a center like Arrowhead Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Share18 November 2014
