7 Important things after jaw surgery Keep Your Mouth Clean Mouth care needs to be done frequently after surgery and is suggested after each meal to keep incisions clean. See our section on "Oral Care" for suggestions. NOTE: Never substitute any information for what your Doctor orders for you. Always follow YOUR surgeons recommendations thoroughly!   Care For Your Skin & Protect Your Mouth: Avoid dry cracked lips by using Aquaphor, Blistex, Carmex, Vitamin E or mineral oil. Avoid use of products such as lemon glycerin swabs and commercial mouthwashes containing alcohol (these products can have a drying or irritating effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth) For protruding wires that are irritating in the mouth, warmed bees wax or orthodontic wax may be applied to the ends of wires. (wax should be removed before eating & brushing teeth) Keep your skin clean and apply topical antibiotics to any wounds. Use facial moisturizers to soothe skin. Do Not Smoke (Smoking also dries and irritates oral mucosa) Avoid alcohol which can cause nausea and dehydration Keep Well Hydrated You can reduce the risk of dehydration and keep secretions thin by drinking at least 10 glasses of fluids a day. Keep a Zip-n-Squeeze Bag filled up and ready to go at all times (each bag holds 8 ounces which is equal to one glass). Humidifier may be used for inspired air if recommended. Eat Well Begin with clear liquids. Advance to pureed foods in blender or food processor. Strain as needed Include high protein and calorie supplements in your diet.& sdfgsdfgdsfgsdfgdsfg The "Healing Jaw" Recipe and resource guidebook was written by an RN to help with your new diet. You can visit our "products" section for more information. Remember Snacks! Juices, smoothies, puddings, yogurt ect. Use your Zip-n-Squeeze Bags to make eating Drinking easy! Take your time, eat slowly and enjoy your food.   Relax Keep a dry erase board or writing pad & pen handy for easy communication after surgery when talking is difficult. Listen to your favorite music to help you relax Do not over exert yourself! In time you will return to your normal routine. For now, don't rush it! Try to keep a schedule for meals and snacks. Serve your meals in an attractive setting. Use pain medications as prescribed to reduce discomfort.   Take Precautions To help with negative pressures such as coughing, sneezing, yawning and sucking try these things: Place a fist under the chin for support for coughing or yawning. Sneeze through your mouth WIPE don't blow your nose!! Sucking on straws is not only discouraged but is painful. The Zip-n-Squeeze Bags are a perfect solution to this problem. Simply Squeeze the fluids in, no sucking required.   Be Prepared At Home Keep head of bed elevated at least 30 degrees Keep ice to temples and lower Jaw during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Keep a suction device close by at all times. A bulb syringe will work nicely at home to help with extra secretions. Always sit upright and lean forward when eating or drinking to reduce the risk of choking If you are wired shut or tightly banded, keep wire cutters with you at all times. Only cut wires if fluids cannot be expelled through the mouth or nose. Refr to instructions from your surgeon regarding this procedure. If vomiting does occur: Sit up, lean forward, hold cheeks out and back with fingers and allow fluid to be expelled through space between upper and lower teeth. Use bulb syringe if necessary.   Click here to go to the next page.