Dental issues occur frequently in the elderly, which can lead to decreased quality of life and poor nutritional status. Oral health can compromise taste, food choices, and ability to chew and swallow.
Dental surgery may be needed to correct life impacting oral problems. After these procedures soft foods may be required to promote healing and for ease of chewing.
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Reasons for Dental Surgery
The elderly may undergo dental surgery for various issues such as:
- Tooth decay
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gum disease
- Periodontitis
Types of Dental Surgery
Older adults may undergo several types of dental surgical procedures to treat oral issues.
- Tooth extraction
- Dental implants
- Periodontal surgery
Potential Complications
Complications can occur after surgery, however following post operative instructions can minimize risks. This includes following diet instructions. Potential risks include (1):
- Infection
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Dry socket: disturbance to blood clotting after extraction
- Numbness
- Sinus problems
Inappropriate food choices after dental surgery can lead to delayed healing. For example, temperature extremes can irritate already sensitive teeth and increase swelling and bleeding (2).
50 Soft Foods After Dental Surgery
Consuming soft foods after oral surgery is important to avoid damaging surgical incisions and for ease of chewing. Here are 50 soft food ideas:
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding
- Banana
- Avocado
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Ice cream
- Canned peaches
- Jello
- Canned pears
- Smoothies
- Oral nutritional supplements
- Protein shakes
- Smooth peanut butter
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Refried beans
- Milkshake
- Tofu
- Moist pancakes
- Overcooked noodles
- Squash
- Cranberry sauce
- Custard
- Grits
- Poached egg
- Egg salad
- Popsicles
- Hummus
- Meatloaf
- Meatballs
- Moist, baked fish
- Tuna salad
- Chicken salad
- Crustless quiche
- Moist ground turkey
- Mashed carrots
- Moistened waffle
- Baked beans
- Ripe watermelon
- Baby food
- Baked apples
- Ricotta cheese
- Spam
- Sherbet
- Cheesecake
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Nutritional Considerations
Dentists and oral surgeons may have specific diet requirements depending on the type of surgery being undergone. Food restrictions and timeframes may vary from procedure and practitioner.
A multivitamin may be recommended to meet micronutrient needs since food choices may be limited. Fluids are also of importance to avoid dehydration.
Thank you for these practical food choices after dental procedures/surgery which can help when planning ahead!