Nutrition after Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic Surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a combined orthodontic (braces) and surgical treatment approach for the correction of dental, jaw and facial deformities.

Why is nutrition important after surgery?

After going through surgery, your body will need more energy and protein which will help your jaw bones heal.

However, it may be difficult for you to consume enough nutrition after surgery due to:

movement of jaws is restricted by elastics
acute swelling after surgery

Energy

Energy (calories) is the main fuel for your body to carry out daily activities.

Calories mainly come from:

Carbohydrate
Protein
Fat

Protein

After the surgery, your body's requirement for protein is increased due to the increased need for healing and repair. Your Dietitian will guide you on the good sources and the amount of protein that you require daily after surgery!

Hydration

Adequate hydration is important for regular bowel movement and to minimise risk of urinary tract infection and kidney stone formation.

You can plan your fluid intake for the day by:

distributing fluid intake evenly throughout the day
having fluids apart from meals

Post-Surgery Diet

After the surgery, you may have some swelling which may limit how wide you can open your mouth.

You will likely need to modify your diet while your jaws heal.

STEP 1: FULL LIQUID DIET

For the first 2 weeks after the surgery, you may find it easier to manage liquids. Depending on your nutritional needs and preferences, your Dietitian will advise you on the appropriate type and quantity of oral nutritional supplement that is suitable for you.

STEP 2: PUREED DIET

From week 3 to 6, you should be able to manage a pureed diet. You need to eat a variety of food from all food groups to receive adequate nutrition.

Your Dietitian will guide you on the preparation of pureed food and how to increase the nutritional value of the pureed meals.

STEP 3: SOFT DIET

From week 7 to 12, if you are able to open your mouth and chew, your Doctor/ Dietitian may recommend you to progress to soft and moist foods, with minced or chopped dishes. Avoid chewing on hard or tough foods for the first 12 weeks after your surgery to ensure that your jaw bones are healing well.

STEP 4: DIET OF CHOICE

From week 13 onwards, you may have diet of choice. Aim for a well-balanced diet and include foods from all food groups.

Quick Tips on Nutrition after Jaw Surgery

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