What Foods to Eat After Gum Graft Surgery & What to Avoid?
Guide to A Smooth and Successful Gum Graft Surgery Recovery
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Gum graft surgery can be a great solution for improving gum recession, with a success rate of 85–90%. However, the recovery process can vary in length, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, and may cause some discomfort and sensitivity for most patients.
To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to be mindful of what you consume during this time. Your diet plays a significant role in your healing process, so it is crucial to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and avoid certain foods that may disrupt the recovery process.
That is why we have put together a helpful guide for you, including a list of best foods to eat after gum graft surgery, as well as a list of nutritious food items that can boost the recovery process.
Foods to Avoid After Gum Graft Surgery
It is critical to avoid certain foods after gum graft surgery at all cost, as they can impede healing in many ways, especially causing infections.
Therefore, to ensure a speedy and successful gum graft recovery, here are some types of foods that you should avoid as much as possible and why:
- Spicy foods, which can cause irritation and inflammation in your mouth, slowing down the healing process;
- Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar that can irritate your mouth and raise your risk of infection;
- Hard foods such as nuts, chips, and hard candy that can cause trauma to the surgical site and slow healing;
- Crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, crackers, and popcorn, all of which can also cause trauma to the surgical site and cause the procedure to be delayed;
- Sticky foods such as candy, gum, and caramel can become lodged in the surgical site and cause infection.
Remember that abstaining from these foods during the recovery period does not have to be bland. Many delicious and nutritious soft foods are safe to eat after gum graft surgery, which we’ll go over in the following section.
Soft Foods to Eat After Gum Graft Surgery
After gum graft surgery, it is highly recommended to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days to avoid causing any trauma to the surgical site. They are gentle to your oral cavity, easier to consume, and less likely to get stuck and cause infection in the surgical area.
Here are some suggestions about foods to eat after gum graft surgery:
- Scrambled eggs: Scrambled eggs are soft, are a great source of protein, and are immensely easy to cook at any age.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are easy to swallow and a great carbohydrate source. They are a convenient side dish or to store in the fridge as well.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a quick snack that is also a great source of protein and can help with digestion.
- Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to absorb fiber and vitamins from your fruits and vegetables while also staying on a soft food diet. You can easily blend many types of veggies and fruits for many delicious combinations.
- Soups and stews: Many soup or stew recipes are just “put ingredients in a pot, then cook until soft,” so anyone can adjust to their preferences to make easy, soft, and nutritious but warm and comforting meals with this option. They can also be quickly reheated, so another tick in the “quick and convenient” box.
By choosing soft foods during the recovery process, you can ensure a smooth and speedy recovery and get back to your routine as soon as possible.
Nutritious Foods That After Gum Graft Surgery Helps To Aid Recovery
A well-balanced diet that includes the proper nutrients is also vital, in addition to avoiding certain foods and sticking to a soft food diet. Nutritious foods can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue growth and healing, allowing you to heal faster and with fewer complications.
Here are some healthy foods that can aid in healing after gum graft surgery:
- Lean proteins: options such as chicken, fish, and tofu can aid tissue repair and recovery.
- Zinc-rich foods: Zinc is necessary for tissue repair and aids in wound healing. Zinc-rich foods include beef, pork, and pumpkin seeds.
- Vitamin K-rich foods: Vitamin K is required for blood clotting and can aid in healing. Leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin K.
- Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, which is necessary for wound healing. Examples like strawberries, and kiwis are high in vitamin C.
It is essential to remember that although there are some ingredients on the list of alarming foods after a gum graft surgery, you can thoughtfully reduce the danger by preparing them according to the soft food recommendations above.
Conclusion
The time after a gum graft surgery is not to be estimated. Although they can be tempting at times, be sure to keep consuming the right foods to eat after gum graft surgery during the recovery to avoid any slowdown or contamination.
Avoiding certain foods, sticking to a soft-food diet, and incorporating nutritious foods into your diet can all aid you in that journey of perfecting your gingival area.
In addition, here are some more tips to secure a safe and sound healing process:
- Avoid strenuous activity in the days following surgery
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Avert smoking and alcohol
- Keep hydrated
- Get enough sleep
You can help ensure a smooth and quick recovery after gum graft surgery by following our helpful advice and tips. Remember to keep in touch with your dentist or oral surgeon for personalized instructions.
If you are in quest of finding one, however, especially in New York City, then the dentists at Edgard El Chaar DDS PC are the professionals you are looking for!
Visiting Dr. Edgard El Chaar office, our customers will be greeted with a team of professionals whose priority is to provide high-quality care with advanced equipment and expertise.
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Source
Cunha, J. P. (2022). Gum Graft: Purpose, Recovery, and Complications. MedicineNet. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.medicinenet.com/gum_graft/article.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gum Graft Surgery: What You Can Expect. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gum-graft/about/pac-20384624
Santos, D. (2022). What to eat after wisdom teeth removal: A guide to post-surgery diet. Medical News Today. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323387
MyPlate. (2023). Protein Foods. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/protein-foods
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2023). Vitamins. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/
American Heart Association. (2021). What is a Heart-Healthy Diet? Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
