When your jaws are wired shut, you must blend or puree most foods to consume them through a straw or through the teeth. Your diet is critical when you have a broken jaw. A high calorie and protein diet promotes tissue repair. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health Care System recommends planning six to eight mini-meals a day. Consult with your medical doctor or nutritionist if you are experiencing a large weight loss. The average weight loss when your jaws are wired shut is around 10 percent, advises Dr. Frederick Steinbeck.
Meat
Meat is highly recommended due to its high protein contents. Slightly warm meat before adding to the blender or food processor to make pureeing easier. Remove all skin and bones from meat. For additional flavor and to thin, mix meat with gravy, tomato puree or other mixed vegetables. Mix chicken or beef broth with canned or blended meat for flavor and to create a liquid meal.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables should be part of all meals. Puree fruit for breakfast and mix with yogurt, blended cottage cheese or warm cereal. Add vegetables to soups and stews for additional nutrition. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health Center suggests pureeing vegetables and thinning the mix with cream, milk, broth and tomato juice. For additional sweetness add instant coffee mix, honey or guava nectar to foods. Herbs, spices and sauces such as salad dressing and mayonnaise mixed with vegetables add flavor.
Dairy and Grains
Besides milk products, other dairy items have large amounts of protein and calories. These foods include cheese, hard boiled eggs and instant breakfast mixes. Consume healthy grains. Focus on soft breakfast cereals, soft-cooked pastas and soft breads. The American Dietetic Association recommends rice and couscous without seeds or nuts.
Additional Diet Suggestions
Eat as much variety in your food as possible to avoid getting burned out on the same items each day. Flavor foods with fresh herbs and spices, as well as smooth condiments. If you are having too much weight loss, add items such as sour cream, butter, margarine and other oils to your foods. Freeze or refrigerate extra food so you have a variety of foods to choose from.
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