• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Champagne Tastes®
  • About
  • Travel
    • Food Travel
    • Outdoor Adventure
  • Recipes
    • Garden To Table
    • Seafood
    • Camping Recipes
    • Ferment
    • Backyard Foraging + Wild Game
    • Cooking Basics
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Garden To Table
  • Seafood
  • Ferment
  • Foraging + Wild Game
  • Cooking Basics
  • Camping Recipes
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Food Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Cooking Basics

    Soft Foods: Food to Eat After Dental Work

    Published: Jan 12, 2018 · Modified: Mar 2, 2020 · 21 Comments

    This list of Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full, and give you ideas of soft food to eat after oral surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or other dental work. This is food for when you want to eat, but you can't chew!
    This list of Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full, and give you ideas of soft food to eat after oral surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or other dental work. This is food for when you want to eat, but you can't chew!
    This list of Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full, and give you ideas of soft food to eat after oral surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or other dental work. This is food for when you want to eat, but you can't chew!
    This list of Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full after dental work or oral surgery.  This is food for when you're hungry, but you can't chew!
    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This list of Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full, and give you ideas of soft food to eat after oral surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or other dental work.  This is food for when you want to eat, but you can't chew!

    This list of Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work will help you stay full after dental work or oral surgery.  This is food for when you want to eat, but you can't chew!

    Soft Foods: The Post-Dental Dilemma

    Today-- soft food to eat after dental work.  I've always been one of those weird people who loved going to the dentist.  I loved how clean my teeth felt after a cleaning, and how I never seemed to get a cavity.

    Awhile back, however, I had to switch dentists, AND get a few fillings, AND have oral surgery.  Twice.  Ouch.

    After both surgeries I remember thinking, "I'm so glad I can't feel my face!"  And also, "How much did I just pay??"  Quickly followed by, "Did he really say I can't chew anything for a week???"

    The first time around, I found myself wandering around the food aisles at Target with the husband, looking sadly at all the food I couldn't chew.  The second time, I was more prepared!

    However, I can't be the only one with this problem, right?  The big question is-- what do you eat after getting wisdom teeth removal, oral surgery, a root canal, a gum graft, or after other super fun dental work? 

    We can't be expected to live on APPLESAUCE for weeks, right?!

    Should I Blend My Food In A Blender?

    Maybe.  This is all going to depend on how sore your mouth is and if you're allowed to chew.  I did have to blend my food after oral surgery.

    I use, love, and highly recommend a Vitamix 750.

    Shopping Tip: If you're looking for a new blender, read this Blender Review first.

    What to Eat After Oral Surgery or Wisdom Teeth Removal

    Today's post is a list of the types of soft foods that worked for me.  However, there's all kinds of dental work out there!  Some of these foods might not work for you, depending on if you have stitches, where your stitches are, etc.

    If you aren't allowed to chew after dental work, this list of soft foods should help!  The list will go from snacks, to light meals, to protein-filled eats that will actually leave you full.

    Quick Tip: Some of the recipes linked in this post include toppings like berries, fresh herbs, or croutons.  You'll likely want to skip the toppings for now.

    Transition to Real Food Slowly:
    Your stomach won't thank you for skipping straight to heavy and dense food. Start with soft food like pasta, and go with smaller portions. Make your way slowly back to your normal diet.

    Top 10 Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Work

    1. Applesauce

    I know- I just knocked applesauce and said I couldn't bear to eat it for days. 

    Okay sure. 

    But the truth is, as a snack, it's quite tasty, it won't hurt your mouth, and it could even work as a breakfast!

    If you're feeling up to making your own- try this traditional How to Make Applesauce tutorial.  If you don't feel like cooking, grab some pre-made applesauce and eat up!

    Homemade Applesauce - from Everyday Easy Eats
    This Unsweetened Applesauce recipe is naturally flavored and contains no added sugars. Made with fresh apples, water, lemon juice and cinnamon!

    A simple, homemade applesauce recipe that is perfect for snacking and using in baking. Naturally vegan, paleo and Whole30-compliant.
    Make It
    Homemade Applesauce - from Everyday Easy Eats

    2. Pudding

    You already know you love pudding.  

    It's creamy.  

    It's sweet. 

    It's soothing! 

    If you're trying to stay healthy, try this Cinnamon Rawnola Chia Pudding for a healthier vegan treat that works for both breakfast and dessert.  This vanilla or chocolate pudding recipe is also delicious and easy.

    And if you don't feel like cooking, grab some ready-to-eat pudding.

    Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding - from Imagelicious
    Avocado Chocolate Pudding is intensely chocolate with a hint of banana and maple syrup. It’s smooth and luscious and utterly indulgent, yet it’s healthy and delicious.

    No-one will ever guess that it has avocados and no butter or chocolate. It’s vegan, raw, paleo, and gluten-free but, shhh, don’t tell anyone!
    Make It
    Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding - from Imagelicious

    3. Ice Cream / Fro-Yo / sorbet / sherbet / Granita

    This one is another no brainer- but don't overlook it, because cold and creamy sweets will feel amazing on your sore mouth!

    Quick Tip: Skip the popsicles if you can't bite down, or can't open your mouth wide enough after your dental work.

    Try making ice cream, kefir ice cream, vegan nice cream, or even granita!

    Don't feel like cooking? 

    Grab your favorite store-bought kind-- but make sure to avoid chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or anything that could get stuck in your stitches.

    Kefir Ice Cream
    This Kefir Ice Cream tutorial will walk you through how to make this customizable, healthy treat using plain milk kefir as your ice cream base. No ice cream maker? No problem!
    Make It
    Kefir ice cream in bowls
    Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
    This strawberry cheesecake ice cream is made with cream cheese and real strawberries, and is an egg-free, extra-creamy summer treat. Inspired by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream!
    Make It
    strawberry cheesecake ice cream in serving bowls
    Chocolate Mint Ice Cream
    This mint chocolate ice cream is inspired by Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, and is an egg-free, extra-creamy summer treat infused with fresh mint.
    Make It
    chocolate mint ice cream in serving bowls

    4. Smoothies

    Are you craving vegetables?

    Do you miss salads?

    If you haven't tried a green smoothie yet, this might be the time to do it.  My favorite combination is spinach, plain Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and a little coconut water or orange juice.

    You can also make them more protein-packed by throwing in a few nuts or some nut butter!

    Try out this glowing green detox smoothie from Rhubarbarians, and this peanut butter, banana, cocoa, + coffee smoothie from Girl Heart Food!

    Arugula Smoothie
    This easy arugula smoothie uses healthy bitter greens, tart pineapple, and fatty, rich avocado for a filling, delicious vegan drink.
    Make It
    arugula smoothie

    5. Greek Yogurt + Honey

    This is a great option, because it's a soft food full of protein, is creamy, light, and delicious, but still takes practically zero effort.

    You can even buy single serving containers of Greek yogurt that have honey in a separate section of the bowl.

    Feeling ambitious?  (Or you're stuck at home and bored?)  Try making your own yogurt.

    How to Make Yogurt, Greek Yogurt, and Labneh
    Did you know that fresh yogurt with simple, wholesome ingredients is incredibly easy to make at home? This tutorial will walk you through how to make yogurt, Greek yogurt, and Labneh.
    Make It
    Labneh in a bowl with spices, herbs, and honey

    6. Puréed Soup

    Soup!  Yes, that's right, a "real" food!  A soft food that you can eat because you're hungry-- and it FILLS YOU UP!

    Make tomato soup, or try blending up a soup you normally eat chunky (like Potato Soup!)

    You can also find  puréed soup pre-made in boxes.  (I especially like tomato + roasted red pepper soup.)

    Usually I add in some crunchy textures when I make puréed soup, but if you have stitches in your mouth-- you probably shouldn't do that. Blend it all up!

    You should also skip any toppings.

    Skip the bread and crackers you normally use to scrape the bowl.

    It'll be okay- you can eat all that again after your mouth heals.

    Tomato Soup from Canned Tomatoes
    This tomato soup from canned tomatoes is a quick and easy soup for cold, winter days.  Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a meal!
    Make It
    tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches

    7. Mashed Potatoes

    This carb-filled dish is a soft food that won't make you feel like you're on a diet!  Stir in some cream cheese, sour cream, or feta cheese for added flavor and creaminess.

    Quick Tip: You could also make mashed sweet potatoes, but I've found that the stringy texture of sweet potatoes was too much for the stitched up palette of my mouth on the first few days after surgery.  

    If you want mashed sweet potatoes, blend them up as well as you can (maybe even using an actual blender instead of a hand mixer), until your mouth heals a little.

    The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes - from Striped Spatula
    These Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are the creamiest potatoes you’ll ever taste. Rich and indulgent, they are perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. Make ahead and reheat over simmering water for easy entertaining.
    Make It
    The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes - from Striped Spatula

    8. Oatmeal

    Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts, because it's healthy and filling.  Depending on how sensitive your mouth is, you might pour your cooked oats in a blender before eating them.

    Try making Slow Cooker Oats with Winter Fruit, but skip the toppings- no nuts or extra fruit this time.

    Slow Cooker Oatmeal with Winter Fruit
    This vegan-friendly Slow Cooker Oatmeal with Winter Fruit uses heart-healthy steel-cut oats, cranberries, and oranges for a healthy and hearty breakfast. 
    Make It
    Slow Cooker Oatmeal in bowls with sliced oranges on top

    9. Refried Beans

    Beans!  Now we're talking.  Some of you may be laying home in bed for a week after oral surgery, but others have to go to work!  Go to school!  Operate a motor vehicle!

    And how, I ask, are you supposed to do any of those things without protein?

    Let's be honest-- refried beans are BEST served with rice or tortilla chips or taco shells.  But, that's just not an option right now.

    Serve your beans with some hot sauce (my favorite is Cholula), a salsa that isn't chunky, and some sour cream. Then, sigh with happiness as you discover that your belly is actually full.

    Instant Pot Refried Beans
    These Instant Pot refried beans transform dry pinto beans into flavor-packed refried beans, and are seasoned with jalapeños, onions, and spices. (Pre-soak AND no-soak options!)
    Make It
    Refried beans in a serving dish

    10. Soft-Scrambled Eggs

    As your mouth begins to heal, you might want to start including some soft food that requires minimal chewing.  Eggs are great-- soft-scrambled eggs are EVEN BETTER!

    Cooking Tip: Check out this tutorial on how to get the creamiest scrambled eggs!

    Did I forget anything?  What foods do you eat post-dental work?  Let me know in the comments!

    More Cooking Basics

    • lobster on a platter with butter sauce, lemon wedges + garlic
      Lobster Butter Sauce
    • Log of garlic scape butter.
      Garlic Scape Butter
    • Peanut Butter Granola
    • salmon steaks in a pan.
      How to Debone Salmon Steaks

    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

    All commentsI made thisQuestions
    1. Willow | Will Cook For Friends

      February 03, 2017 at 11:07 am

      Oh yes... I have fond memories of getting my molars removed as a teenager and eating nothing but creamy roasted red pepper soup. Thankfully, I love that soup, and eating it for every single meal didn't ruin it for me for very long... but I still wish I'd had a list like this so I could mix it up a bit more. Making a list like this was so smart of you, thank you for sharing it. And I hope your mouth is fully healed!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        February 03, 2017 at 11:08 am

        I'm all better now thanks!! ☺️

        Reply
    2. sue | theviewfromgreatisland

      February 03, 2017 at 11:37 am

      My daughter has to get her wisdom teeth out this month...perfect!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        February 03, 2017 at 11:39 am

        Poor her!! Feed her well ????

        Reply
    3. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      April 04, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      I wish I'd had your list after my daughter had reconstructive jaw surgery. Her mouth was literally wired shut for a week and she subsisted on pureed soups and kefir... When we finally moved to soft foods, she was so thrilled she ate everything I gave her. One of her favorites was a very soft flaky fish, with orzo pasta and ratatouille that I pulsed a few times in the blender. She didn't have to chew the orzo -- it just slid down her throat! Great roundup!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        April 04, 2017 at 8:55 pm

        Oh OUCH! And yes, you will get desperate enough to purée fish when you haven't eaten anything solid in ages ????

        Reply
    4. linda spiker

      April 04, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      Lol timing is everything! I cracked a tooth last week and am waiting for crown prep...blah!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        January 16, 2018 at 1:27 pm

        Awwww I hope they get you fixed up!!

        Reply
    5. Prasanna Hede

      April 04, 2017 at 10:19 pm

      This is an amazing list! I am about to have my wisdom tooth removed soon and worried about that!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        April 04, 2017 at 10:24 pm

        Ooo save this then! I hope everything goes well!

        Reply
    6. Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert

      January 12, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      Great roundup of oral surgery worthy recipes! I wish someone would have made these for me when I had mine out 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
    7. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      January 14, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      Great round up, Sarah! I had wisdom teeth removed a long time ago and it was NOT a fun experience. Wish I had this list of goodies at the time! Thanks for including my smoothie 🙂 !!

      Reply
    8. Cindi

      July 24, 2018 at 9:52 am

      I had implants put in and I’ll have stitches for a month
      And can’t chew anything for that time, I’m getting sick of soup and mashed potatoes any other ideas
      That will be satisfying? Any help is appreciated

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes

        July 24, 2018 at 9:54 am

        Have you tried green smoothies? Make sure to blend them up really well so that nothing sticks in your stitches

        Reply
      • Beverly

        May 24, 2019 at 6:42 pm

        If you like avocado cut one up, mash it sprinkle a little salt and pepper in it with a half teaspoon of mayonnaise. Very healthy in vitamins and is very tasty and filling.

        Reply
        • Sarah

          May 24, 2019 at 9:08 pm

          That's an awesome idea!

          Reply
    9. Joanne

      June 15, 2019 at 2:21 am

      I just had all 4 wisdom teeth out 2 days ago, I've been eating soups, mashed potato and gravy, pureed pumpkin and sweet potato, as well as jelly, creamed rice and porridge made with oat flour 😊 I've also frozen some strained, Berry smoothie into Popsicles, yum!

      Reply
      • Sarah

        June 15, 2019 at 6:52 am

        Wow you’ve done great! I love the smoothie popsicle idea!

        Reply
    10. Alia @ Everyday Easy Eats

      December 29, 2019 at 7:29 pm

      Hi Sarah! Thanks for featuring my homemade applesauce recipe!

      Reply
    11. Kayla

      August 31, 2022 at 2:24 pm

      I just had 6 teeth extracted with stitches and immediate partials. The last thing I wanted to do is irritate those stitches by eating something hard. Last night I had creamy mashed potatoes with gravy. I also took some canned pumpkin and mixed it with a heaping tablespoon of vanilla flavored greek yogurt. It tasted really good. Smoothies for breakfast, this morning banana with a little avocado. I also picked up some Ensure and Glucerna (even though I am not diabetic, I had coupons to save money)to keep up nutrition level. I am going to try cooking ramen noodles and puree them with some peas. I still have 9 days to go before suture removal, so have to get creative for me while I keep hubby happy with real food.

      Reply
      • Alisha Trenalone

        September 01, 2022 at 2:32 pm

        Hope you find some helpful ideas for what to eat! It's a challenge, for sure.

        -Alisha at Champagne Tastes

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

    Learn More →

    Currently Trending

    • San marzano sauce in a pan
      San Marzano Sauce (Classic Marinara)
    • pan-seared rockfish on a plate
      Pan-Seared Rockfish
    • pan-seared red snapper on plates
      Pan-Seared Red Snapper
    • crab butter sauce on a platter with crab legs
      Crab Butter Sauce

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For California Residents
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For Nevada Residents

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe and Photo Reuse Terms + FAQ

    Copyright ©2015-2023 Champagne Tastes
    All Rights Reserved.