Quick Answer
Yes, you can eat mac and cheese after most oral surgeries, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions. Soft, lukewarm foods like mac and cheese are usually recommended during initial healing. However, seasons and spices should be avoided, and extra caution should be taken with hot and hard foods that could irritate surgical sites.
Can You Eat Mac and Cheese After Getting Wisdom Teeth Out?
Mac and cheese is commonly recommended after wisdom tooth extraction since it’s soft, smooth, and easy to swallow. However, it’s important to wait until the anesthesia wears off completely to prevent choking. At first, the mac and cheese should be lukewarm or cold to avoid irritating surgical sites. Seasonings and spices should also be avoided during initial healing, and the pasta should be well-cooked and consumed in small bites. Most dentists recommend sticking to a soft foods diet for the first 24-48 hours after wisdom teeth removal.
Is Mac and Cheese OK After Tooth Extraction?
Yes, mac and cheese is fine to eat after a simple tooth extraction. As with wisdom tooth removal, it’s important to wait until anesthesia side effects fully wear off before eating to reduce choking risk. Lukewarm, plain mac and cheese is safest for the first 24 hours. Stay away from very hot temperatures that could irritate the extraction site. Also, be sure to rinse the area gently with salt water after eating to keep it clean.
Can I Eat Mac and Cheese After Dental Implant Surgery?
Soft, lukewarm mac and cheese can be gradually introduced back into the diet around 3-7 days after dental implant placement once initial healing has begun. Avoid spicy, salty or acidic versions as these flavors can irritate the area around the implant site. Be sure to chew carefully on the opposite side of your mouth and rinse gently afterwards. Your dentist may advise eating only soft foods for up to 6 weeks after implant surgery to allow full healing.
Tips for Eating Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery
- Wait until anesthesia wears off completely before eating to prevent choking
- Start with lukewarm or cold mac and cheese to avoid irritating surgical sites
- Avoid spicy, acidic or heavily seasoned versions during initial healing
- Take small bites and chew carefully, especially near extraction or implant sites
- Rinse mouth gently with warm salt water after eating to keep area clean
- Gradually reintroduce normal versions around 7-10 days post-op as tolerated
- Follow all dietary guidelines from your oral surgeon’s post-op instructions
Are There Any Reasons to Avoid Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery?
Here are some reasons your oral surgeon may recommend avoiding mac and cheese after certain procedures:
- If you have dietary restrictions or allergies to milk, cheese or wheat, mac and cheese should be avoided
- For procedures like sinus lifts or bone grafts, a stricter soft foods diet may be advised, ruling out mac and cheese
- If you have difficulty swallowing or are at high risk of choking, mac and cheese may pose hazards
- For immediate implant placement, healed sites must be protected so only smooth purees are allowed initially
- If you have a history of poor healing, very restrictive diets may be prescribed
- With orthognathic surgery, wired jaws only allow intake of liquids for 6 weeks post-op
As always, follow your specific post-op instructions and ask your surgeon if you have any concerns about eating mac and cheese or other soft foods after oral surgery.
Sample Post-Oral Surgery Diet Schedule
Here is a sample diet timeline to follow after wisdom tooth extraction or minor oral surgery allowing mac and cheese:
| Days Post-Op | Recommended Foods |
|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Smoothies, milkshakes, Jell-O, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, broth, lukewarm mac and cheese |
| Days 4-7 | Creamy soups, eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, noodles, soft/pureed foods |
| Days 8-14 | Soft, easy-to-chew foods like pasta, steamed vegetables, shredded chicken |
| 2+ weeks post-op | Gradually reintroduce normal diet as tolerated |
Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines, which depend on your procedure. With some oral surgeries like implants, a strict soft food diet may be required for up to 6-8 weeks post-op.
The Benefits of Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery
Here are some of the key benefits associated with eating lukewarm, plain mac and cheese in the initial recovery period after oral surgery:
- Smooth and creamy – Well-cooked mac and cheese has a soft, smooth texture that is unlikely to disturb blood clots or irritate surgical sites.
- High in calories and protein – Mac and cheese provides essential nutrients for healing without excessive chewing.
- Comfort food – The familiar, mild flavor can help you feel better emotionally after surgery.
- Convenient – Pre-packaged mac and cheese can be easily prepared even when you don’t feel well enough to cook elaborate meals.
- Versatile – Mac and cheese can be pureed or taken with soft cooked vegetables as you transition to solid foods.
Just be sure to stick to lukewarm, plain versions without spices, acids or irritants in the first few days after oral surgery. Introduce normal mac and cheese gradually after the initial healing phase.
Preparing Soft Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery
Here are some tips for preparing smooth, lukewarm mac and cheese as recommended after wisdom teeth removal or similar procedures:
- Cook elbow pasta or small macaroni until very soft, then drain thoroughly.
- Mix in plain softened butter and milk or cream to reach desired consistency.
- Add mild shredded cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack and stir until melted.
- Avoid heavily spiced cheese mixes or powders until fully healed.
- Mix in smooth pureed vegetables like boiled carrots or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
- Only add soft crumbled cheeses like cottage or ricotta after the first week post-op.
- Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature before eating to prevent burning surgical sites.
Make small batches that can be easily reheated to avoid having leftovers sit out too long. Proper food handling is especially important after oral surgery when infections could delay healing.
Potential Issues With Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery
While mac and cheese is generally recommended after wisdom teeth and implant surgery, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Can irritate healing sites – Hot, hard or acidic mac and cheese could disturb blood clots and surgical sites if consumed too soon.
- May increase infection risk – Cheese and dairy can harbor harmful bacteria if allowed to spoil.
- Contains gluten and dairy – Those with allergies or food sensitivities may experience adverse reactions.
- Risk of constipation – Healing patients prone to constipation should balance mac and cheese with high fiber foods.
- High in calories/fat – Limit portions for those monitoring their weight.
- Can trigger nausea – Rich foods may worsen nausea from anesthesia or pain medication.
To reduce risks, allow healing for 3-5 days before introducing mac and cheese. Start with small portions of lukewarm, plain versions. Drink plenty of water and implement the diet gradually.
FAQs About Mac and Cheese After Oral Surgery
Is Kraft or boxed mac and cheese OK after wisdom teeth removal?
Plain boxed mac and cheese that is well-cooked and lukewarm can be cautiously consumed 24-48 hours after wisdom teeth or dental extractions. Avoid hot temperatures and added seasonings. Prepackaged versions ensure proper cooking.
Can I eat mac and cheese after a tooth extraction?
Yes, plain lukewarm mac and cheese is fine after simple dental extractions once bleeding has stopped and anesthesia side effects wear off. Take care chewing near the site and keep the area clean.
Is mac and cheese allowed on a soft food diet?
Mac and cheese prepared very soft and lukewarm is usually permitted on post-oral surgery diets. However, individual instructions from your oral surgeon may differ depending on the procedure.
When can I eat normal mac and cheese after dental implants?
Around 2 weeks after dental implant placement, normal mac and cheese can be gradually reintroduced as long as it’s chewed carefully on the opposite side. Follow all guidelines from your implant dentist.
Can I eat baked mac and cheese after wisdom tooth removal?
Baked mac and cheese may be too hot and hard in the first 3 days after wisdom teeth extraction. Allow it to cool first and use caution chewing to avoid disturbing surgical sites.
Is mac and cheese OK if I’m nauseous after oral surgery?
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects after anesthesia and pain medication. Bland foods like broth, Jell-O and popsicles are easiest on the stomach initially.
Conclusion
Mac and cheese that is prepared lukewarm and with a very soft consistency can be a beneficial part of your post-oral surgery diet during initial soft foods stages. However, it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific timeline and instructions to allow proper healing. While mac and cheese provides protein and comfort, take care to avoid spicy versions or consuming it piping hot or in large chunks in the first week after dental extractions, implants or other invasive procedures. With some simple precautions, smooth mac and cheese can be a tasty part of your soft foods progression after wisdom teeth removal or similar surgery.
