Diet Instructions following Periodontal Surgery

It is most important that you maintain a nutritious diet during the weeks of healing.  The patient who maintains a good diet of soft foods generally feels better, has less discomfort, and heals faster.  The foods listed below are planned to provide the body with adequate vitamins and minerals.  Foods containing tomatoes, onions, peppers, or spices of any kind will be irritating and should be avoided.

BREAKFAST: (Blender may be used to liquefy foods)

Apple juice, orange juice, milk, hot chocolate, ovaltine, tea or coffee.  Stewed fruits, prunes or similar fruits should be well mashed or sieved.  Cooked cereals such as oatmeal or cream of wheat.  Eggs: soft boiled, soft scrambled, poached or soft fried.  Bread must be moistened, not eaten dry.  Donuts softened in milk or coffee.

LUNCH AND DINNER:

Home cooked broth, boullion, soups.   Baked or broiled fish.  Broiled or stewed chicken (finely chopped).  Chicken noodle soup, cheese and macaroni, eggs as above, bread as above.  Milkshakes and ice cream.  Baked or whipped potatoes.  Asparagus, peas, carrots, lima beans, string beans (all mashed).  Cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheese soufflé, canned fruits.  Cooked vegetables and meat juices, puddings, Jell-O, custards and stewed fruits are good as well.

REMEMBER: 

You may eat any soft foods that do not irritate.  You may chew if it is not too uncomfortable to do so.  If you are experiencing difficulty in eating properly, the use of commercially available dietary supplements (such as Instant Breakfast, Ensure, etc.) may be used, and the daily intake of a multi-vitamin is recommended.