Tonsils are a form of lymph node flesh that are attached to the inner corners of the inside of your mouth, towards the back of the throat. If tonsils are larger than average or if they are causing throat infections and interruptions to your sleep, you may require a tonsillectomy.

Knowing how to care for your recovering mouth and throat after a tonsillectomy can help you to remain as comfortable as possible as your body begins the healing process. 

Foods to Eat After a Tonsillectomy

Knowing the foods to eat after a tonsillectomy is essential to prevent discomfort and irritation, especially as the tonsils are located directly inside of the mouth towards the back of the throat. Any food that irritates the tonsil area during recovery can cause potentially unwanted side effects or even adverse effects. Knowing what is ok to eat is a way to gain peace of mind while alleviating stress as you recover from the procedure. 

Water and Liquids

After a tonsillectomy, it is best to begin food intake with cold water and other cold liquids. Avoid diving immediately into solid foods, even if you are hungry. It is best to test the water with actual water itself to help gauge where you are at in the healing process, even immediately following your tonsil removal. It is best to stick with 2 to 3 ounces of water every hour when you are first permitted to begin drinking and eating again, by your dentist. 

Popsicles

Popsicles can help provide a soothing feeling of relief while you are transitioning from water and liquids back into solid foods. Use popsicles that are sugar-free if you are sensitive to sugar or if you find that the sugar in traditional popsicles and ice cream irritates your throat and tonsils. 

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is another option to begin trying as you transition from liquids and water back onto solid foods. There are also frozen fruit popsicles available for those who are seeking pain-relieving foods that are not packed with added sugar. 

Applesauce

Applesauce is one of the best foods to eat after a tonsillectomy if you are hungry but you are unable to eat and chew traditional solid foods still. Applesauce provides a perfect cooling effect while still delivering the nutrients necessary to sustain yourself while you recover.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the most gut-friendly and versatile foods, especially when it comes to healing and recovering from a procedure involving the mouth. When eating oatmeal, always make sure that it is not too thick and that it is not overheated to avoid burning your mouth or triggering additional discomfort. 

Foods to Avoid After Tonsillectomy 

Whenever you are having a tonsillectomy done, it is equally as important to know what food to avoid after tonsillectomy procedures as well as which foods are best for recovery. Avoiding specific foods and ingredients is the best way to expedite the process of healing and recovering without adding to any pain and discomfort you are already feeling due to the surgery itself. 

Spicy Foods

Immediately after a tonsillectomy, it is best to avoid foods that are inherently spicy or foods that contain cayenne pepper, red pepper, or any type of pepper that adds heat. 

Hot Foods

If food is too hot in temperature, it poses the risk of potentially burning the area in your throat where your tonsils have been removed. Avoid eating hot foods while you are in the beginning phases of recovery, especially before the tonsil area of your throat has had a chance to form a scab as it begins to heal. 

Crunchy and Hard Foods

Another rule of thumb for anyone who is currently recovering from a tonsillectomy is to avoid crunchy and hard foods at all costs. While most tonsillectomy procedures will heal in 2 weeks, it is best to avoid any food that may scrape or scratch the back of your throat for at least 3 to 4 weeks, allowing for a total and complete recovery of the area.

Having a tonsillectomy done is one of the best ways to improve your sleeping patterns while reducing your chances of developing a throat infection, especially if your tonsils have been pestering you for years.

Once you are familiar with foods to eat after a tonsillectomy and what to avoid, you will gain peace of mind feeling prepared and ready for recovery. 

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