In terms of eating normally after gum grafting, a liquid diet is recommended for the first few days post-op. On the day of surgery, we recommend eating only cold food and beverages, such as pudding, yogurt, shakes, or ice cream. Do not drink any acidic fruit juice or sodas, and don't use a straw for several days.
When can I eat my regular diet after a gum graft? Typically, your gum graft should heal within 14 days. After that, you can resume eating as you wish. However, the only away to know for certain is by consulting with your periodontist.
For two or three days following a gum graft, eat soft and unsticky foods. Eat lots of things like warm (not hot) oatmeal, cream of wheat cereal, eggs, yogurt, pasta, smoothies (not too cold), and mashed potatoes that have cooled slightly. Jello is another ideal option.
We recommend you wait to eat after a gum graft until the anesthesia has worn off. After your mouth stops feeling numb, you can think about eating. For the first day after you have the surgery done, you need to stick to cold, soft foods. These foods might include ice cream, jello, cold soups, and pudding.
Avoid extremely hot foods for the rest of the day and do NOT rinse out your mouth, as these will often prolong the bleeding. If bleeding continues, apply light pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or moistened tea bag. Keep in place for 20-30 minutes without looking to see if bleeding has stopped. (NO PEEKING!)
Get lots of rest and avoid strenuous activities. Eat soft, cool foods, such as yogurt, pudding or smoothies. Keep the surgical area clean using an antibacterial mouthwash. Don't brush or floss directly on the gum graft, as this can damage it and lead to failure.
No straw for the next 2-3 days! 3rd day until 2 weeks after surgery: A very soft food diet should only be eaten (Pasta, soups, eggs, fish, cooked soft vegetables, oatmeal, rice, beans etc.) Avoid any hard, spicy, crusty, coffee or acidic foods. Chewing should be done on the side opposite the surgical site.
Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise or lifting weights for the 1st week after surgery. You may walk or ride a bike carefully.
For 3 days after your surgery, DO NOT spit, smoke, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, use a commercial mouthwash, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device.
Sleep somewhat inclined For the first 2 nights after the procedure, sleep in a recliner chair or with your head propped up with some pillows. A recliner is better. If you keep your head above your heart level for the first 2 days, it will significantly cut down on post-op swelling. Less swelling equals less pain.
Until the bleeding stops it is very important that you don't rinse and don't spit. You can drink water, but you can't swoosh it in your mouth. The blood (and saliva) in the mouth should be swallowed. Again, do not spit or rinse.
Soft bread and grains are excellent after surgery, including white bread, wheat bread, flatbread, and flour tortilla. Grains like oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice, pasta noodles, and saltines are also suitable foods.
In terms of eating normally after gum grafting, a liquid diet is recommended for the first few days post-op. On the day of surgery, we recommend eating only cold food and beverages, such as pudding, yogurt, shakes, or ice cream. Do not drink any acidic fruit juice or sodas, and don't use a straw for several days.
Avoid Talking (As Much As Possible)
Talking causes your mouth's muscles to stretch, which, in turn, can loosen up the gauze and increase the chances of bleeding. Refraining from speaking is hard, but try to remain silent as much as possible for the first two to three days after gum grafting surgery.
Sutures (stitches) will usually have to be removed approximately 10 days to 2 weeks following your surgery. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue, toothbrush or any other device. Displacement of sutures will impair healing and affect the success of your procedure.
Mouth odor after oral surgery is common and not necessarily something to worry about. However, you always want to make sure the odor isn't a sign of something more serious, either in general or related to your healing process.
If you simply graft over the exposed root of a mis-positioned tooth, you will have a 100% failure rate. You haven't changed the conditions that led to recession in the first place. So, in these cases, your Dentist should first improve tooth position with conventional braces or Invisalign.
You should be able to resume light activity and even return to work after the first 24 hours, but because you'll be eating less and should avoid talking, it's best to stay home and off your feet for at least three days if possible.
During your gum graft surgery, you'll probably be awake like most people, or perhaps opt to be sedated. Most patients do not require anything more than local anesthetics to numb the area. Once the area is numb you will only feel slight applied pressure but will not feel pain or sharpness.
Suture Removal
You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness.
Nutritious Foods That Aid Recovery After Gum Graft Surgery
Here are some healthy foods that can aid in healing: Lean proteins: options such as chicken, fish, and tofu can aid tissue repair and recovery.
You may eat as normal but be careful that food and drink are not too hot that they burn the numb areas, or disturb the surgical area. Avoid sharp or crunchy foods for two to three days, as these will also disturb healing and may cause bleeding.