How do you brush your teeth after jaw surgery?

You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery. Initially, you may want to avoid toothpaste, and simply use a toothbrush and warm water. Brush after each meal, and stay on the teeth and surrounding gums and avoid the incision sites.

Can I use toothpaste after jaw surgery?

You may use toothpaste. Your gums will have reduced sensation. Be careful not to injure the gums while brushing. You may use a mouth rinse.

How do you brush your teeth with jaw surgery?

Use warm water and a small amount of toothpaste. Put the bristle tips against the gum line and brush in a gentle circular motion over all of the teeth. Be careful not to brush on top of stitches. After you brush, use the mouth rinse in the way the surgeon tells you to.

Can you brush your tongue after jaw surgery?

During the first week after surgery be careful to make sure that while brushing your teeth, the bristles of the brush stay on or very near the teeth and braces. You may have some soreness and may have some difficulty in opening your mouth. This may prevent you from brushing the tongue side of your teeth.

What can you not do after jaw surgery?

How to brush your teeth (Condylotomy Surgery/ Jaw wired Shut)

How do you clean your tongue after jaw surgery?

Oral rinsing should be done after every meal. A moistened Q-tip or cotton swab may be used to wipe over the gums and tooth surfaces when brushing is impossible. You may follow brushing with a mild fluoride mouthwash to leave your breath and tongue feeling refreshed.

What is the fastest way to recover from jaw surgery?

What can I eat 2 weeks after jaw surgery?

After 2 weeks you can commence a non-chew food diet. The rule of thumb is to eat food that you can easily squish between your fingers and anything that does not make any noise(ie hard or crunchy foods). Examples include: mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, fish and over-boiled/soft pastas cut into small pieces etc.

How long does it take for bone to heal after jaw surgery?

The bone should heal in about 6 weeks. It will take about 9 to 12 months before the jaw fully heals.

Are screws removed after jaw surgery?

Plates and screws from jaw surgery are left in the jaw after surgery to allow for stabilization of the jaw.

Can you brush your teeth with a broken jaw?

Generally speaking, your mouth will not be wired together therefore it is easier to brush your teeth. If you are wearing elastics and a plastic splint then you can brush with no problem. Once the splint is taken out of your mouth in a week you can take the rubber bands out to rinse and brush your teeth.

How long will my face be swollen after jaw surgery?

You must anticipate a large degree of swelling over your cheek area as well as down into your neck. The swelling is maximal at Day 4 and will slowly subside after 2 weeks. There is still about 10 to 20% of swelling that can maintain up to 2 months after surgery.

Can you sneeze after jaw surgery?

If an upper jaw surgery is performed, you will need to be on sinus precautions. This entails not blowing your nose for 2 weeks. Try not to sneeze for 2 weeks. If you do sneeze, do it with your mouth open to equalize the pressure between your mouth and the sinus.

How long do you have to sleep elevated after jaw surgery?

The swelling can be fairly dramatic after some jaw surgeries. We recommend that you keep your head elevated (on 2–3 pillows or in a recliner) for up to a week or so after surgery. Swelling may take several weeks to resolve completely.

When do stitches dissolve after jaw surgery?

All the stitches inside the mouth are resorbable and dissolve after 3 to 4 weeks. You will have small titanium plates and screws (mini-plates) in your jaws. The titanium plates and screws in your upper and lower jaws will not be noticeable to you and will remain indefinitely.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after jaw surgery?

Sensation is expected to return 2-6 months after surgery. A numb feeling in the upper gums and roof of your mouth may persist after surgery. Numbness of the lower lip and chin is also expected after lower jaw surgery. Recovery of sensation may take 12 months.

Can you talk after broken jaw surgery?

Your jaws will be wired together approximately six to eight weeks. This is the time it takes for the bones to heal in a good, strong union. During the time your jaws are wired together, you will find eating, talking and other daily activities somewhat difficult.

Can I drink coffee after jaw surgery?

It is important that you have nourishing fluids such as milk, yoghurt, custard, soups and juices. Try not to fill up on water, tea or coffee.

Can I eat pasta after jaw surgery?

Scrambled eggs, or scrambled eggs with grated cheese, may be combined with milk and blended to the desired consistently. Spaghetti with meat sauce, macaroni and cheese, chili con carne, etc. may be pureed following the instructions for meat.

Can I drink soda after jaw surgery?

Avoid drinks that have no protein, vitamins or minerals, such as soda pop or fruit drinks. 100% fruit juices are okay.

Is jaw surgery a major surgery?

Jaw surgery is a major surgery that can disrupt your life for several weeks and months.

How painful is jaw reconstruction surgery?

The surgery aims to realign the jaws and teeth to improve their function and aesthetic appearance. Jaw surgery is usually performed after the growth stops, which is around ages 14 to 16 years for females and 17 to 21 years for males. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during surgery.

What are the side effects of jaw surgery?

How do you brush your teeth with stitches in your mouth?

Don't clean the teeth adjacent to the wound area for the rest of the day, but you can start cleaning them the next day. Avoid allowing the brush to hit the extraction socket for the first three days. If your wound was stitched up, consider rinsing your mouth.

How do you clean your mouth after oral surgery?

DO NOT rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with the oral rinse, if prescribed by your doctor, or with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) 2-3 times a day for 1 week.