Soft food diet 

How long is a soft food diet recommended? 

Following oral surgery it may be difficult to eat, as jaw and throat muscles may be sore. A soft food diet is recommended for 3 to 5 days following surgery, along with plenty of fluid consumption. A regular diet can usually be resumed after 5 to 7 days or when it can be comfortably managed.

What to Avoid

  • Small foods like rice, peas, seeds or nuts that can easily become trapped in the operative site(s).

  • Hot drinks/soup until local anesthesia, or “freezing”, has worn off approximately 2 to 8 hours following the procedure. When “frozen” it may be more difficult to swallow liquids or medication – take small sips of water.

  • Do not use straws for a minimum of 24 hours following surgery, as this may dislodge the blood clot. 

Soft food Diet Suggestions 

Breakfast

Yogurt
Scrambled eggs
Banana
Protein shakes
Bread – Soft, crustless bread can be spread with cream cheese and seedless jelly (avoid breads with a lot of grains in it)
Oatmeal
Cold cereal

Lunch & Dinner

Soup
Mashed potatoes
Baked potatoes
Pasta add a sauce that doesn’t have chunks in it.
Macaroni and cheese
Fish
Tuna salad
Egg salad

Sides & Desserts

Applesauce
Cottage Cheese
Avocado
Pudding
Ice cream
Muffins
Milkshake
Fruit smoothies
Jello