Foods to Eat After a Frenectomy
If you have a child who has a tongue or a lip tie, chances are that your pediatric dentist has mentioned the word “frenectomy” before. This is a same-day procedure that corrects a tongue or lip tie, leaving your child without this obstacle, but rather sore. You might be wondering what and when they can eat after this procedure is done.
The good news? Your child is clear to eat after their lip tie or tongue tie surgery, as the procedure involves numbing cream and a small incision with a laser to correct. There is often little to no bleeding after a frenectomy, whether it is for a tongue or lip tie revision, but your child’s mouth is sure to be sore up to 24 hours as the frenum heals. As for foods that they can eat in the meantime, there are a few different types that can help with frenectomy healing, as they are easy to chew and digest.
In this article, we will take a close look at some good food options for a child to eat while they are healing from a frenectomy.
1. Soft Foods
Like after any dental treatment or oral surgery, it is important to stick to foods that are softer and easier to chew and swallow. This is highly recommended by pediatric dentists as your child’s mouth can be numb for quite some time after a surgery, and chewing can be difficult. Below are some softer foods to consider feeding your child, so they are still meeting nutritional needs, and getting full while staying comfortable:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled Eggs
- Cooked Vegetables
These are all great options to help your child through a speedy recovery while ensuring that they aren’t going hungry. If your baby is onto solids, you can opt for any of the above-mentioned foods or stick to purees.
2. Cold Snacks
Cold treats are a great option for children to munch on after a frenectomy, as they can also help with swelling and bring your child relief in the process. The following are always great options, including:
- Cold Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Fruit Popsicles
- Ice Cream
All of these snacks and treats can go a long way in helping your child recover. If your baby has had this procedure done, frozen breastmilk or formula pops can soothe discomfort for babies who aren’t old enough for solid foods or water. Older babies can enjoy frozen fruits or yogurts in a mesh or silicone feeder to get cool comfort.
3. Beverages for Hydration
This isn’t strictly a food option, it is just as important as eating after a frenectomy. Keeping your child well hydrated will help them recover fast and keep the surgical site free of food debris. Water, formula, or breastmilk are essential drinks, and apple juice can be a good choice too. Be sure to avoid carbonated drinks like soda or orange juice, as it is acidic for a few days to avoid irritation to the healing frenum.
4. Avoid Crunchy, Spicy, or Hard Foods
For the next couple of days following your child’s frenectomy procedure, it is important to help them avoid hard, spicy, or crunchy foods, as these can irritate or hinder the healing process of the frenum and increase the risk of infection. The following foods should be avoided during the healing process of the frenectomy:
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Nuts
- Raw Vegetables
5. Good Oral Hygiene Should be Practiced
Another non-food-related item that is just as important is good oral hygiene. Make sure that your child is still brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day can help them to keep harmful bacteria from infecting the surgical site or frenum. Older children with a sore mouth can opt to do a saltwater mouth rinse to help encourage healing. With smaller babies, you can gently wipe off their gums with a clean, damp cloth to keep the gums clean and free of bacteria.
What Does an Infection in the Frenum Look Like?
Because of its status as a surgical procedure, a frenectomy is going to cause discomfort and swelling. If your child has had a tongue tie revision, there are a series of stretches that they have to do that will add to the discomfort. During the first handful of days, it is important to do these stretches and watch for signs of infection, which can present itself as increased pain, swelling, or redness. Don’t hesitate to reach back out to your trusted Montana pediatric dentist if you notice any of these symptoms in your child or if you have more questions about the healing process.
Have More Questions About What to Eat After a Frenectomy?
If you have suspicions that your child might have a tongue or lip tie, talk to your child’s pediatric dentist for an expert evaluation. If you have questions about how you can make your child more comfortable after their frenectomy, reach out to your local Montana pediatric dentist team. Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, the expert children’s dentist in the Western Montana area, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana. Call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more with Missoula Dentistry.
