50 Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
Soft foods are often recommended for several days or even weeks after dental surgery. Soft foods require less chewing and thus reduce strain on the surgery site (and the associated pain). The best way to determine if a food is “soft” is the plastic fork test. If you can cut the food with a plastic fork, then it is soft. Also, it’s important that the soft foods don’t have any seeds or hard particles like grains because these food items can become lodged in the surgical site and cause secondary infections.
Fortunately, there are many healthy, tasty foods to eat that will aid in a smooth recovery period. These 50 soft foods to eat after dental surgery are sure to get the healing process off to a great start.
1. Applesauce
Applesauce is a soft food that can be easily eaten during the different dental implant healing stages. Pro tip: Add cinnamon to the applesauce to add antibacterial properties and promote healing.
2. Greek Yogurt
High in protein, calcium, and probiotics, greek yogurt is a tasty food that boosts oral health. Add strawberry jam or a puree to raise the nutritional value even more.
3. Smoothies
Smoothies are one of the best foods to eat after dental implant surgery because they can be used as an entire meal.
4. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comforting soft and fluffy food. Add butter or gravy for added flavor.
5. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is creamy and soft and filled with protein and calcium.
6. Canned Fruit
Canned fruit is a nice addition to a meal or dessert. Pro tip: Steer clear of acidic choices such as pineapple or oranges as the acidity can aggravate the healing site(s).
7. Egg Salad
Egg salad is made up of soft-boiled eggs that are mashed and mixed with mayo or yogurt and seasonings.
8. Steamed Fish
Focus on soft steamed fish such as tilapia, salmon, or sole.
9. Soft Cooked Vegetables
Sautée vegetables in coconut oil or butter for a filling, colorful, and healthy option. Cooked mashed cauliflower is a nice option as well.
10. Tapioca Pudding
Tapioca pudding and other puddings are a creamy and smooth dessert option.
11. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is smooth and delicate with a custard-like texture.
12. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a nice breakfast option. Add cream or whole milk for added protein.
13. Avocado
Add salt and pepper to ripe avocado for a creamy, soft, and healthy snack or breakfast.
14. Hummus
Hummus is silky smooth and can be flavored with garlic or roasted red peppers.
15. Soft Cheeses
Brie, goat cheese, and other types of soft cheese are wonderful protein-rich soft foods to eat after oral surgery.
16. Soups
Soups can be blended or pureed for easy swallowing. Soups may not need to be pureed if the ingredients are cooked until very soft.
17. Bone Broth
A large batch of bone broth can be made and used as needed. A little bone broth every day made with nutrient-dense ingredients helps you stay hydrated and heal faster. The FDA notes the role of the patient’s overall health in ensuring a successful dental implant procedure. Drinking bone broth is a great way to give your overall health a boost.
18. Ice Cream
Ice cream can be eaten in moderation for a snack or dessert. Look for options with natural ingredients. "Nice cream" can be made as a healthier option using pureed frozen fruits, honey, bananas, and vanilla coconut cream with almond milk, then frozen and enjoyed.
19. Jello
Low-calorie jello can be used as a quick snack or dessert.
20. Polenta
Creamy polenta cooked with butter and parmesan is a tasty dinner option.
21. Bananas
Mashed or ripe bananas are a sweet and healthy snack to eat after dental surgery. Bananas also have anti-inflammatory properties and are perfect for aiding the healing process.
22. Pancakes
Pancakes are a comforting meal choice. Add a scoop of protein powder for a protein boost.
23. Soft-Cooked Pasta
Soft-cooked pasta can be eaten plain, or add a cheese or garlic sauce for a filling meal.
24. Risotto
Risotto is known for its warm, creamy texture and rich flavor.
25. Soft-Cooked Rice
Soft-cooked rice is a versatile meal idea and can be paired easily with sauces and sides.
26. Refried Beans
Refried beans can be eaten plain or with very soft tortillas.
27. Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are refreshing and healthy for breakfast or as a pick-me-up snack in the afternoon. Be sure to drink or use a spoon and avoid using a straw as a straw creates pressure and can harm the surgery site.
28. Quiche
Quiches are protein-rich, healthy soft foods to eat after dental surgery. Choose or make quiches with a variety of soft cheeses, sautéed vegetables, or herbs to bring even more nutrition to the meal.
29. Tuna Salad
Tuna salad can help the healing process by adding Vitamin D to the diet. Vitamin D is known to help build and strengthen bones which is important during the healing process.
30. Chicken Salad
If chicken salad is very finely shredded, it is a healthy food to eat after dental surgery. Make sure not to add any hard or crunchy foods as they can cause damage.
31. Meatloaf
Meatloaf made from soft foods like cooked oats, ground beef, sautéed onions, and ketchup is a tasty meal option.
32. Sloppy Joe
Using very tender meat, this is a classic soft food to eat after dental surgery. Enjoy plain or on soft whole wheat buns.
33. Shepherd's Pie
A comforting, warm meal option, shepherd's pie is made with soft-cooked vegetables, meat, and mashed potatoes.
34. Steamed Spinach
Packed with vitamins A and K, as well as folate and iron, steamed spinach is great to eat after dental surgery as a side. Add grass-fed butter, garlic salt, and pepper for a flavorful punch.
35. Ripe Fresh Fruit
Watermelon, peaches, pears, strawberries, and nectarines are some amazing soft foods to eat after dental surgery. They taste sweet and can be a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert!
36. Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a warm, creamy, and comforting option.
37. Casserole
Casseroles are great soft foods and can be made with a variety of soft ingredients like rice, potatoes, cheese, and vegetables.
38. Cream of Wheat
A smooth, creamy, warm start to the day.
39. Popsicles
Popsicles help hydrate and cool off the body on hot days.
40. Muffins
Muffins can be a healthy breakfast or snack option. Try using honey or maple syrup in place of white processed sugar.
41. Soft Bread
Soft bread can be eaten after dental surgery. Soaking the bread a little beforehand makes it easier to eat.
42. Lentils
Cook the beans for quite some time and add spices and a healthy fat or protein for a full meal option.
43. Custards
Custards are a perfect consistency to avoid pain from chewing after implant surgery. Custards are smooth, creamy, and tasty!
44. Baby Food
Premade baby food is a quick on-the-go option for travel or quick meals.
45. Dumplings
Dumplings are a tender food and can be flavored further with various sauces.
46. Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is an easy-to-drink soup that is high in protein.
47. Mousse
Mousse can be a healthy dessert filled with high-protein ingredients.
48. Omelets
Omelets are easy to eat and can be filled with soft cheeses or minced veggies for a filling breakfast.
49. Meat
Mince cooked beef or chicken and mix it with gravy for an easy-to-eat protein meal.
50. Cheesecake
Cheesecake may not be the healthiest option on our list of the top 50 soft foods to eat after dental implant surgery. However, it's ok to indulge in an occasional treat!
Bon Appetit and Happy Healing!
Making the most of the dietary choices available helps not only to prevent infection and reduce swelling and the likelihood of getting a dry socket or other complications, but it also helps the body heal faster. Sticking to the right foods, following post-op instructions, and maintaining good oral hygiene help you move through the healing process and come out on the other side better than ever.
At Salin Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we look forward to seeing our patients healthy and whole after dental surgery. Be sure to check out our Dental Implant Care Guide and follow all of your dentist’s specific instructions. Happy healing!