Navigate the Holidays After Oral Surgery with These Useful Tips

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, gift-giving, and of course, indulgence in all sorts of delicious and festive foods! However, if you’ve recently undergone oral surgery, you might be worried about how your holidays are going to be impacted; after all, you wouldn’t want to jeopardize your oral health immediately after doing something to aid it! Fortunately, you don’t have to totally rethink your holiday plans; here are some dentist-approved tips that will let you make the most of this time of year without compromising your recovery!

Tip #1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Following oral surgery, your diet matters greatly; you’ll need to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate your healing gums or require excessive jaw movement. Items like mashed potatoes, smooth soups, yogurts and pudding, smoothies, and more are all excellent choices. What’s nice is that several soft side dishes are often served during holiday gatherings; just be sure you’re telling your family members or friends what accommodations you’ll need. It also helps to opt for smaller portions and to take your time while eating—plus, you should want to savor every bite as best you can!

Tip #2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for both your overall health and your oral health, and it’s a surefire way to help ensure a smooth recovery following surgery. Drink water with every meal and also sip it throughout the day; this will ensure your mouth’s producing saliva as needed, and will also assist with your recuperation. Try to avoid sugary, alcoholic, or acidic drinks that might irritate your mouth; wines, ciders, hot chocolate, and more are all a no-go!

Tip #3. Prioritize Rest

Rest is a top priority following any type of surgical procedure, including those involving the mouth. Rest helps your body’s natural healing process, so you should ensure that you’re kicking back and relaxing at home, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding strenuous physical activity or exercise. Try to plan your holiday schedule with plenty of time for breaks between events, and if you’re traveling, be sure that you aren’t doing or seeing too much!

Tip #4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

It should go without saying that maintaining excellent oral hygiene following oral surgery is paramount; this promotes healing, prevents infections, and ensures that once things are healed up, your smile doesn’t just feel great—it looks great, too! That said, follow your dentist’s post-surgery care instructions concerning brushing and flossing closely, and be sure to see them for any scheduled follow-up appointments.

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Harry Golnazarian and Dr. Isaac Nawar, our talented team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates is excited to offer patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding areas an unmatched level of dental care! If you have any questions about the blog or our services, or you’d like to arrange a visit for yourself or a loved one, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today for more information or to find a location near you.