Your bite, your diet and healing after a broken lower jaw
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon's advice on your bite and recovery
A break in the lower jaw can change the way your teeth fit together. It can also damage teeth or the nerve that gives feeling to your lower lip and chin. [1, 2]
To hold the jaw in place, treatment may use plates, screws, elastic bands or another method. The goal is for the bone to heal with a bite that works well. You also need enough nutrition while you recover. [1, 2]
Check your bite and your whole mouth
Tell the surgeon if your teeth don’t meet the way they did before the crash. Ask which parts of the jaw broke. Find out whether a tooth along the break line needs care. Report any numbness in your lower lip or chin so it can be noted and tracked. [1, 2]
If you have elastic bands, ask what to do if one snaps. Also ask what to do if you can’t close your teeth the way you were told. [1, 2]
Plan your meals and mouth care
Ask exactly how soft your food must be and how long the diet lasts. Even a soft or liquid diet has to give you enough calories, protein and fluids. Tell your team if pain, nausea or trouble opening your mouth keeps you from eating. [1, 2]
Follow the cleaning and mouth rinse plan you were given. Food stuck around a wound or the hardware in your jaw can raise the risk of infection. [1, 2]
When to get emergency help
Get emergency care for trouble breathing or swallowing, facial swelling that grows fast or bleeding that won’t stop. Call your surgical team promptly for a fever or bad smelling drainage. Do the same for a new change in your bite or pain that gets worse. Do not try to force your jaw into place yourself. [1, 2]
Questions about your jaw repair
- Is my bite lined up the way you expected?
- What plan should I follow for food, brushing and rinsing?
- When will you check my numbness, healing and how wide I can open my mouth?
Write down your diet rules
Sources and further reading
- 1Hull University Teaching Hospitals lower jaw fracture
- 2University Hospitals Birmingham lower jaw aftercare
The advice in this article is general and reflects oral and maxillofacial surgery. Changes in breathing, swallowing, your bite or facial swelling need urgent care. Follow your own diet and mouth care instructions.
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