After having dental surgery, your dental office's team may give you a list of dos and don'ts for eating and drinking after surgery. If you're planning on having dental operations done that may make your eating habits a bit different, consider a few lifestyle changes that can make the transition easier.
Soft Foods Don't Have To Be Boring
"Stick to soft foods, don't drink from straws!" the dentist may say, but actually dealing for days—even weeks—with a sensitive mouth is a bit harder than following directions on a list.
People who are used to a lot of variety in their life, but lacking cooking ability may be at a loss for ideas after being forbidden to eat harder foods like burgers, fried chicken or steaks.
Not many fast food places offer enough variety to sate hunger and an adventurous tongue for more than a week. If you haven't tried your hand at cooking, put a few basic cans of vegetable soup to the side and head to the produce section of your local market and prepare your kitchen.
Gourmet Soup Experimentation
What exactly is a gourmet soup? Gourmet foods are supposed to be an experience in culinary mastery and creative ingredients, but far too often it simply means 'not chicken or vegetable soup'.
Your goal is to eat food that isn't too tough. This restriction allows an entire world of herbs and seasonings. Basil, celery, rosemary, garlic, parsley and oregano are a few basics that go well with soups, but you can branch out a bit further if you like.
Sample each seasoning with a small pinch, tasting with the back of your tongue. There is no specific part of your tongue that tastes specific qualities, but some parts are more sensitive to certain experiences than others. The tip of your tongue is more sensitive to bitter, sharp tastes and may skew your opinion of a flavor.
When you find a specific flavor that you like, mix half a cup of soup with half a cup of water into a small cooking pot, then bring the soup to a boil.
After the soup is boiling, add two or three pinches (you don't need to be exact) of the desired herb or seasoning, then mix the soup with a spoon for a few seconds. Cover the pot, then bring the heat to low after 5 minutes.
Taste the soup and think about how well the seasoning goes with the soup. If it tastes good, try adding different seasonings depending on their taste.
If you absolutely must have the taste of a solid such as bacon, beef or chicken, put them in the soup! Just make sure not to eat the solids. The soup can be infused with other flavors, though you may be surprised at how some flavors for takeout food are mostly based on seasoning and condiments.
Your dental inconvenience is an opportunity to explore food that you've likely ignored for quite a while. Talk with your dentist to brainstorm different ideas for creative recovery meals.
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