What Foods Should I Avoid After Jaw Surgery?
Knowing what not to eat is just as important as knowing what to eat. Here is a list of foods to avoid.
After orthognathic surgery, certain foods can disrupt healing, cause pain, or damage the surgical site. Here is what to avoid:
- First 4 weeks (avoid completely):
- Hard foods: Nuts, chips, crackers, raw vegetables, crusty bread
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, granola, crispy tacos
- Chewy foods: Steak, jerky, bagels, chewy candy
- Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, gum, gummy candies
- Small, hard pieces: Seeds (sesame, chia, poppy), rice, ground meat with gristle
- Spicy foods: Can irritate incisions
- Hot foods/beverages: Can increase swelling; let everything cool first
- Carbonated drinks: Can cause discomfort and gas
- Alcohol: Interferes with healing and medication
- Weeks 4β8 (introduce with caution):
- Soft bread (tear into very small pieces)
- Well-cooked pasta (cut into small pieces)
- Soft sandwiches (no crust)
- Soft fruits (bananas, berries without seeds)
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Long-term avoidance (if recommended):
- Your surgeon may recommend avoiding very hard or sticky foods for 3+ months
- After full healing (6+ months), most foods are fine
Clinical Guidance
In the first month after jaw surgery, avoid anything hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky, spicy, or hot. Focus on liquids and soft foods. Gradually introduce more solid foods as your surgeon advises.