A nurse is assisting with the care for a client who reports stomatitis. Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse make?

Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, including the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, and lips. It commonly results from chemotherapy, radiation, infections, or nutritional deficiencies and causes significant oral pain that makes eating difficult. Soft foods are recommended because they are gentle on the inflamed, ulcerated mucosa, reduce pain during chewing and swallowing, and decrease the risk of further mechanical irritation or bleeding to the fragile tissue. Choosing hot foods is contraindicated because heat exacerbates inflammation and increases pain; cool or room-temperature foods are preferred to soothe the mucosa. Seasoning foods with salt is also inappropriate because salt is an irritant to open oral lesions and significantly increases discomfort; bland foods are preferred to minimize mucosal irritation. Selecting foods low in protein contradicts nutritional principles for healing; clients with stomatitis require adequate protein intake to support tissue repair and immune function. High-calorie, high-protein soft foods — such as eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies — are generally recommended. The nurse should also advise the client to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and acidic foods, all of which worsen mucosal irritation. Eating soft foods is therefore the correct and most supportive dietary recommendation for a client experiencing stomatitis.