What Do You Eat If Your Jaw Is Wired Shut?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, patients can expect to lose between 5-10% of their body weight while their jaw is wired shut, underscoring the importance of a high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquid diet. So, what do you eat if your jaw is wired shut to maintain strength and promote healing? The answer lies in mastering the art of blending and finding creative, fulfilling liquid meal options.

Quick Summary

A wired-shut jaw necessitates a 100% liquid diet to ensure proper healing. Key strategies include blending a variety of nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing high-calorie protein shakes and fortified liquids, eating small, frequent meals, and maintaining hydration to prevent weight loss and aid recovery.

Key Points

Start with liquids: In the initial recovery phase, focus on clear liquids, progressing to thicker purees as instructed by your surgeon.
Master the blender: Use a high-speed blender or food processor to liquify all foods into a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Prioritize protein and calories: Boost shakes and blended meals with protein powder, whole milk, yogurt, and healthy fats like nut butter or avocado to promote healing and prevent weight loss.
Eat small, frequent meals: Opt for 6-8 smaller liquid meals throughout the day to meet your nutritional needs more comfortably.
Maintain oral hygiene: Rinse your mouth after every meal and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Waterpik (if approved) to keep your wires and teeth clean.
Stay hydrated: Consume plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and broths, to avoid dehydration and aid recovery.

Navigating Your Liquid Diet: The Immediate Aftermath

Immediately following surgery, your diet will consist primarily of clear liquids, gradually transitioning to a full liquid diet over the first week or two. The goal during this initial phase is to stay hydrated and get used to consuming all your nutrition in liquid form. A blender or food processor is an indispensable tool, but you can also rely on commercial nutritional supplements like Ensure® or Boost® for convenience and calorie density.

Protein and Calorie-Packed Blended Meals

Protein and calories are crucial for healing and preventing significant weight loss. Don't be afraid to get creative with your blender to create satisfying and nutritious meals. Remember to thin all blended foods with milk, broth, juice, or water to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency that can pass through your wiring.

Nutrient-Rich Blended Recipe Ideas

Breakfast: Blend hot cereals like cream of wheat or oatmeal with milk, butter, and a scoop of protein powder. Add blended fruit, honey, or syrup for flavor.
Soups: Puree creamy, hearty soups made with vegetables and tender, cooked meats. Think blended tomato soup with pureed cottage cheese or a creamy chicken noodle soup blended until smooth. Straining the mixture can help remove any remaining fibers or chunks.
Main Meals: Transform savory dishes like pot roast or spaghetti and meatballs into liquid form. Use a high-speed blender with plenty of broth or sauce to get a smooth, drinkable consistency. Cooked and blended beans or lentils are also excellent protein sources.
High-Calorie Shakes: Combine milk, protein powder (whey or soy), full-fat yogurt, and high-calorie add-ins like nut butter, avocado, or coconut oil to pack a powerful nutritional punch.
Desserts and Snacks: Enjoy blended fruit purees, thin puddings, smooth yogurt, and milkshakes. For extra flavor, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Comparison of Liquid Diet Options


Food Type	Pros	Cons	Best For	Calories/Nutrient Boost
Homemade Blends	High nutritional control, customizable flavors, cost-effective	Requires effort to prepare, needs thorough blending and straining	Full meals, variety, specific dietary needs	Add protein powder, oils, cream, avocado
Commercial Supplements	Convenient, guaranteed nutrient profile, easy to track intake	Can be expensive, limited flavor options, may feel repetitive	Snacks, meal replacements on the go, calorie assurance	Choose high-calorie versions like Ensure Plus®
Soups	Savory and warm options, uses everyday ingredients, hydrating	May need to be strained to remove fibers or lumps	Lunch and dinner meals, soothing on sore mouth	Thicken with milk, add cream, or blend in pureed meats
Smoothies	Delicious, versatile, excellent for nutrient and calorie density	Can be difficult to get thin enough if not careful	Breakfasts, snacks, and dessert-like meals	Use whole milk, nut butters, protein powder, avocado
Dairy-Based Drinks	Soothing, easy to drink, high in calcium	Some may have high sugar content, not suitable for lactose intolerance	Snacks, meal enhancements, hydration	Use full-fat milk or add skim milk powder

Practical Tips for Survival and Oral Hygiene

Eating with a wired jaw requires careful planning and adaptation. You'll need to focus on both your food and your oral care routine to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.

Maximizing Nutrition and Enjoyment

Eat Frequently: Aim for 6-8 smaller liquid meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. This is often easier to manage and helps maintain a steady calorie intake.
Temperature Matters: Your mouth and lips may be sensitive. Many find room-temperature foods and drinks more comfortable than very hot or cold options.
Method of Intake: You may use a syringe, a straw, or drink directly from a cup, depending on your comfort level and doctor's advice. Some surgeons advise against straws initially due to suction.
Don't Forget Flavor: Season your purees and blends with spices and herbs to make them more appealing. Add sauces and gravies to savory meals.

Maintaining Oral Health

Rinse Frequently: Use a prescribed or saltwater rinse after every meal to flush out food particles.
Brush Carefully: Use a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean exposed teeth and wires.
Use a Waterpik: A Waterpik can be highly effective for dislodging trapped food and debris, though you should wait at least one week post-surgery before using.

Conclusion

While a wired-shut jaw presents a significant challenge to eating, a well-planned liquid diet ensures you receive the necessary nutrients for a strong recovery. By focusing on high-protein, high-calorie blends and supplements, you can prevent weight loss and fuel the healing process. Staying hydrated, maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine, and getting creative with your meal preparation will make the experience more manageable and contribute to a successful outcome. Always consult your oral surgeon or a dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations throughout your recovery.

Wired Jaw Diet Recipes: Resources and Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a straw can be difficult and is often discouraged, especially immediately after surgery, as the suction can be uncomfortable or interfere with healing. Many people find it easier to drink directly from a cup or use a syringe for more control.

To add flavor, use broths, gravies, and sauces for savory dishes, and incorporate spices, herbs, honey, or syrups into sweet blends and shakes. Using a variety of nutrient-rich liquids like milk, juice, or yogurt can also enhance taste.

Avoid any food that is not completely liquid or smooth, including nuts, seeds, tough skins, and fibrous vegetables, as these can get stuck in the wires. Also, avoid very hot or very cold foods if your mouth is sensitive.

Focus on high-calorie, high-protein supplements and fortified ingredients. Adding protein powder, whole milk, cream, or healthy oils like coconut or avocado oil can boost calorie and nutrient intake.

Yes, it is common to lose weight while on a liquid diet, with patients often losing 5-10% of their body weight. To prevent this, focus on frequent, calorie-dense meals and nutritional supplements.

A powerful blender or food processor is essential for making meals. Other useful tools include a syringe for controlled feeding, and a Waterpik for maintaining oral hygiene after the initial recovery phase.

The duration of your liquid diet depends on your specific surgery and healing process. Typically, a strict liquid diet lasts several weeks, with a gradual transition to pureed and then soft foods.