Diet sheet following Alveolar Bone Graft (adapted from British Orthodontic Society guidelines)

After your surgery it is important you eat well as healing requires good nutrition.

Please see the following advice:

0-1 weeks after surgery

• Swelling, restricted opening, discomfort, will make eating difficult for the first couple of weeks
• You will need to start with a liquidised diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• It is better to eat little and often rather than 3 meals a day.
• Food can be liquidised using a blender or mashed finely.
• Try to add nourishing fluids to your foods rather than water as this dilutes the

nutritional value of your food.

• You may find using a small plastic spoon easier and more comfortable at first.

Drink using a straw if it is easier, or a sports bottle with a spout.

Suitable foods

0-1 weeks after surgery

• Porridge
• Pureed meats in gravy
• Oat based cereal –softened with milk
• Fish in sauce
• Potatoes –mashed with milk
• Cooked Vegetables- pureed
• Cream
• Soft Fruits
• Custard
• Smoothies
• Rice pudding
• Soups
• Yoghurts
• Supplement drinks
• Milkshakes
• Liquidised food

1-2 weeks after surgery

• You will now progress to a soft diet and gradually over 2 weeks return to your normal foods
• Some patients may find they have constipation. A good intake of fluids and fibre will help with this
• Sources of fibre: Wholemeal foods, pasta, fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses.

Suitable foods

1-2 weeks after surgery

• As previous table but mashed not liquidised
• Pasta
• Minced meat
• Scrambled eggs
• Tuna with mayonnaise
• Lentils and pulses
• Mashed vegetables
• Soft fruit
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Cooked Vegetables

2+ weeks after surgery

• You can now return to a normal diet

Please speak to your Surgeon or Cleft Nurse Specialist if you are unsure about any of the above points or have any further questions.

Please also take a note of the contact details for your department during normal working hours and in an emergency so that you can make contact easily.