It’s almost impossible to talk about dental procedures and dental problems without also talking about food. No matter how your teeth may feel or what procedures you may have recently undergone, you still have to eat. The challenge is to choose the right foods for your current dental situation. To help you out in a pinch, Boerne TX dentists offer the following suggestions:
Braces
After getting braces for the first time or after having them adjusted, choose foods that can be cut into small pieces and those that don’t require forceful chewing. This includes oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf. You might also find rice, pasta, pancakes, or soft vegetables to be easy to eat.
Canker Sores
There is no known cure for canker sores, so focus on choosing bland or nonirritating foods until they heal on their own. Low-fat dairy, mashed potatoes, hot cereal, and soft-cooked chicken are safe bets. Be sure to stay away from spicy, salty, or very hot foods to avoid aggravating the mouth sores.
Dental Implants
Nutrition and good health are important to the dental implant healing process, and much of this is related to the foods that you eat. Take in a liquid or soft foods diet for a few days after your dental implant surgery. As eating becomes more comfortable, opt for foods that are richer in nutrition like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Focus on taking in the nutrients that promote healing such as zinc, protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Smoothies, milkshakes, protein shakes, shredded chicken, and steamed vegetables will provide the necessary nutrients.
Difficulty Swallowing
Elderly patients with dry mouth, dementia, or dentures often find it difficult to chew and swallow. To avoid distress and to prevent choking, offer thin, fast-dissolving liquids like broth, gelatin, or ice cream. Cream soups, vegetable juice, tomato sauce, yogurt, and hot cereal are also easy to swallow while offering the necessary nutrition.
For more tips on eating well in spite of your dental challenges, consult a dentist in the Boerne area today.