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Before you undergo jaw surgery to correct your orthodontic problem you must prepare yourself for a transient change of eating habit. After the jaw surgery your mouth will be wired shut for proper alignment of the teeth and optimum healing. Since your mouth is wired shut, you cannot take solid food and will need to take liquid diet for a few weeks. For the first few days your doctor will prescribe you a diet of clear liquids.
What is liquid diet?
There are generally two categories of liquid diets: the clear liquid diets and the full liquid diets. Since the body has undergone some form of trauma during the surgery, much rest is needed to recuperate. However during the resting state energy is needed for the proper functioning of the body. Clear liquids that contain salts, minerals and energy are generally given once the patient is allowed to drink by mouth. Clear liquid is the preferred choice because it is easily absorbed by the body and fully assimilated, leaving nothing in the intestine.
A Clear Liquid is a transparent liquid that is not opaque and contains no smoothed solids. Examples of clear liquids are: water, oral rehydration solution, clear fruit juices and clear carbonated drink.
A Full Liquid is a smooth liquid that can contains transparent or opaque liquids and blended liquid foods. Examples of full liquids are: milk, milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream, fruit juices, strained cream soups, smooth cooked cereals such as oatmeal, cream of rice/wheat, and honey
Full liquid diets are usually prescribed after the patient is able to tolerate clear liquids for 2 to 3 days. You are required to take this liquid diet till the wires in your mouth are removed and usually it may for 2 to 3 weeks. This liquid diet is obviously and extremely restrictive as compare to your normal diet. Most people will loss some weight.
To improve appetite and to minimise the after taste of the dairy products in the tongue you may wish to try some Tomato Soup. Tomato soup can remove some of the coatings left behind by the milk and give you a refreshing taste when you drink it last.
Tips while on liquid diet:
1. Eat the liquid diet more frequently, such as 5-6 times per day.
2. Try to make your liquid diet more palatable by adding sour cream, syrup, honey, eggs, or tofu.
3. You may use Zip and Squeeze pouches for easy eating and storage.
4. To enrich your liquid diet you can sometime use meal replacement shakes.
Since your mouth is being wired close you must also try to keep your oral cavity and teeth as clean as possible.
Below are some methods you can keep your mouth clean:
1. Rinsing or swishing with:
i. Warm water or
ii. Salt water (2 teaspoons salt in 120ml of water) or
iii. Hydrogen peroxide rinse (to 2 parts of water +1 part of hydrogen peroxide)
2. You may use oral syringe to spray water in between your teeth to remove any debris.
3. Make a habit of pulling out your cheek on the side and use your finger lightly brush your teeth.
Please remember to consult your doctor before your attempt to do the procedure above.