How Can My Child Eat Healthy on a Soft Diet?

Children are notorious for roughhousing and neglecting their oral hygiene, both of which being common reasons for someone to need a dental crown. While dental crowns can restore a damaged tooth to its original appearance and function, they need a few days after being placed before they can handle harder foods. If your child has recently received a dental crown, you might be wondering how they can get all the nutrition they need when on a soft diet. Here’s a list of nutritious foods your child can enjoy while recovering from the procedure.

What’s Good for a Soft Breakfast?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a great way to set your child up for an excellent day at school. Luckily, traditional breakfast fare includes a variety of soft-yet-satisfying foods. Scrambled eggs have long been an early-morning staple that is hearty and rich in protein. Other good options include hot cereal like oatmeal or cream of wheat, and low-sugar yogurt comes in a variety of flavors that kids will love.

What Makes for a Great Soft Lunch?

Lunch is that break in the middle of school that gives your kid a little rest so they can finish the day strong. Fortunately, there are a few nutritious foods that can fill your child’s belly without disturbing their dental crown. You might try packing your child’s lunch with mashed potatoes or butternut squash. A canister full of soup is also a great way to pack your child a filling and flavorful meal.

Dining on Softer Fare

Dinner is a wonderful time for the family to sit together and reflect on the past day, but your child is going to want something tasty after a hard day’s work at school. Luckily, there are many ways to steam veggies like squash or peas so that they are soft and easy to chew. Mildly seasoned white fish like tilapia is a great way to give your child some much-needed protein.

Your child’s dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with a timeframe for when it’s safe for your child to resume eating crunchy foods after having a dental crown placed. Until then, a nutritious soft diet can help them recover swiftly and thoroughly.

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry before completing a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Wylie, TX offers pediatric general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on feeding your kid when they are on a soft diet, contact his office online or dial (972) 429-7070.