If you are experiencing a tender mouth while recovering from oral surgery or medical treatment such as radiation therapy or have recently had braces put on, or tightened, you will want to take excellent care of yourself while you are healing.
Getting your prescriptions filled and following them as directed will help with your recovery process. Please remember that not all pain is bad. Pain is an indication of healing. If you feel some slight pain during your recovery period know that is a good thing.
During any kind of recovery, rest is what the body needs most. For the body to heal from any type of injury, illness or surgery rest is absolutely essential to the body’s healing process. Be sure to take it easy, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself plenty of rest after any procedure.
If you are having trouble chewing or swallowing, you will want to make sure and cut your food into small pieces. Using a blender or food processor can help with this. You can use a small spoon while eating to ensure taking in smaller portions at a time. Cook your food until it is soft and tender. You can make sure it is moist by adding sauces, gravy or butter.
You will want to avoid food that might irritate the mouth, and choose food that will soothe and be gentle.
Foods to avoid:
–Raw vegetables that are crunchy like celery and carrots
–Dry, rough foods like granola, or toast and crackers
–Spicy or salty foods
–Tomatoes or tomato juice or other acidic fruit like oranges, grapefruits, lemons or limes
Foods to eat:
–Applesauce and bananas
–Puddings and gelatin
–Oatmeal and other cooked cereal
–Milkshakes and smoothies
–Pureed meats or vegetables
–Macaroni and cheese
–Mashed potatoes and noodles
–Scrambled eggs
–Yogurt and cottage cheese
In addition to watching what you eat, be careful what you drink as well. Drinks should not be icy or hot and avoid acidic drinks that will irritate your mouth. But you also want to stay hydrated to avoid a condition called dry mouth, where saliva is reduced allowing plaque to build up. Water is an excellent choice for hydration, as it does not contribute to plaque production. It is also safe to sip throughout the day. Choose unsweetened herbal teas and beverages like milk or club soda.
Finally, continue to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brushing gently. Rinse with warm water can also help if your mouth and gums are sore.
At the dental office of Dr. Brent Spear, we wish you happy healing and are here to help if you have questions or concerns. To schedule an appointment you can reach us at 817.920.1488.