Have your teen start by consuming liquids and progress to soft foods, such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, Jell-O, milkshakes, and pudding, after surgery. Slowly introduce other soft proteins and carbohydrates, including eggs, fish, pasta, and rice, into their diet over the following week. The use of a straw has the potential of dislodging the clot that forms over the surgical site which can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Your teen should wait at least 7 days before using a straw.