After going through oral surgery, it is important to take extra care of your mouth for at lease a few days after the procedure. Our experienced oral surgeon in 60467 is determined to make sure that your mouth heals up as quickly as possible after any treatment.

It can be helpful to learn about what kind of foods to avoid following surgery and which foods will help you heal properly and as quickly as possible.

After surgery, your mouth will likely be very sensitive for the first few days. During the healing process, you should avoid foods that will be painful for irritated and inflamed soft tissues. These include hot or cold food or beverages, spicy, and acidic foods.

Foods that involve a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slow down healing, and in some cases, cause infection. You should also avoid hard foods like potato chips which can be extremely harsh on the mouth, causing pain and possible injury to recently treated areas.

A helpful tip would be to avoid drinking through a straw which can strain areas that are sensitive and can be very harmful. Drinking straws should be avoided during the first few days following your procedure.

What foods can you eat? In the first 24 hours following your procedure, you should stick to eating soft or mushy foods that don’t involve a lot of chewing.

Here are some options to consider:

● Banana smoothies – delicious and filling and they also contain valuable nutrients.

● Soft fruits – easy to eat and tasty options include applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, seedless watermelon, and avocado.

●Warm soup – broths and soups without large, chunky ingredients can help bring your strength back to life.

● Mashed potatoes – a soft, warm, and filling dish which will make you feel like you’ve eaten a whole meal. Jazz it up with some shredded cheese for more flavor

● Puddings and gelatin – two great options to get in some needed calories, and will decrease soreness and stiffness following your surgery. They are gentle on the stomach as well as the mouth.

If you still have questions or concerns, please contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL for more advice on post-surgery care and the food options that will work best for you.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and made entirely from minerals. Still, it is susceptible to erosion, fracture, and weakening, so it is vital to keep it protected with proactive oral hygiene.

Without strong enamel, the inner part of your tooth risks decay, which leads to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

The most common causes of tooth erosion are preventable.

Drinks: Sugars and acids can easily wear down enamel over time. If you regularly consume soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks, you may be harming your teeth. Alcohol can erode enamel, as well.

Food: A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar allows mouth bacteria to create damaging acid that harms tooth enamel.

Medical problems: Acid reflux conditions such as GERD, frequent vomiting, and certain genetic conditions can erode enamel. Teeth grinding from stress can also impact the integrity of your teeth. Once enamel is chipped or worn, it cannot repair itself.

How to Avoid Tooth Enamel Erosion

Our oral surgeon in 60467 regularly sees tooth problems that could have been avoided through good oral care. In addition to good at-home dental hygiene and professional exams and cleanings, here are extra steps you can take to protect your smile.

• Trade sweets and junk food for a diet rich in crisp veggies, fruit, cheese, yogurt, and whole grains.
• Plain water is a healthier refresher than sports beverages and energy drinks. If you do indulge, rinse with water afterward and wait about a half-hour before brushing to avoid further enamel wear.
• Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and beverages, you boost production of cleansing saliva.
• To avoid fracturing teeth, don’t chew on ice cubes, pens, or other hard substances.
• If you grind your teeth, request a night guard from our office.
• Wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports. It protects tooth enamel from cracks and chips, and helps prevent traumatic tooth loss.

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, so take care to protect it. If you suspect compromised enamel is causing you problems, call our office or ask your general dentist for a referral. Our oral surgery practice in Orland Park, IL specializes in expert, specialized care for damaged teeth, jaws, and mouth tissue.