A tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum, a thin strip of tissue that connects the tongue’s underside to the mouth’s floor, is too short or tight, making it difficult to speak, eat, and swallow. Tongue tie surgery, also known as frenectomy or frenotomy, is a standard procedure used to treat this condition. A specific diet must be followed to ensure a quick recovery and reduce pain or consequences after surgery. What is suitable to consume following tongue tie surgery will be covered in this article.
Immediately After Surgery
The patient may have discomfort and bleeding right after the procedure. Waiting an hour before eating or drinking anything following surgery is advised. After being given the all-clear to eat, the patient should begin by eating soft and cold foods such as ice cream, smoothies, pudding, and yogurt. These foods can ease the area and are simple to swallow.
First Few Days After Surgery
Following surgery, the patient should have soft, bland food for the first few days. Delicate foods do not irritate the surgical site and are simpler to chew and swallow. Bland foods don’t have any spices, acids, or other irritating components. In the first few days following surgery, safe items to eat include, for instance:
- Soups: Soups with a broth base and a moderate heat level can provide both hydration and nutrients. Avoid soups that contain difficult-to-swallow meat or vegetable pieces.
- Mashable potatoes: Mashable potatoes are supple and straightforward to consume. Spices, herbs, and butter shouldn’t be used because they can make the potatoes uncomfortable.
- Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein and can be soft and straightforward to swallow when scrambled. Do not season or add salt or pepper.
- Smoothies: Smoothies are an excellent method to hydrate and gain nutrients. Avoid adding acidic fruits or berries to smoothies, and opt for ones that are not overly thick.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is smooth and straightforward to swallow. Choose applesauce without added sugar because sugar can make you feel sick.
The Week After Surgery
The patient must maintain a soft, bland diet for the first week following surgery. They can, however, begin to introduce some foods that call for just a little bit more chewing. Following surgery, safe meals to eat during the first week post-op include:
- Soft Pasta: Soft pasta can be a rich source of nutrients and is simple to swallow. Examples include macaroni and cheese and spaghetti with marinara sauce.
- Cooked Vegetables: Vegetables cooked, including carrots, peas, and green beans, can be tender and straightforward to prepare.
- Eggs are a great source of protein and are simple to digest, so scrambled eggs are a tasty alternative for post-operative meals. Eggs that have been scrambled are incredibly supple and palatable.
- Oatmeal: A warm and soothing breakfast option that is simple to swallow and a rich source of fibre is oatmeal. Use plain oats instead of any sweeteners that can irritate you.
- Ice cream: Ice cream is a tasty treat that can ease sore tongue symptoms. Choose tastes without any complicated or crunchy ingredients or those that are not very cold.
In conclusion, following a bland, soft diet that is easy to swallow and mild on the mouth after tongue tie surgery is crucial. This applies to soups, broths, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. At the Durham Tongue Tie Laser Clinic, we release tongue and lip ties for infants, kids, and adults using an Erbium YAG laser, so reach out today for reliable treatment.