"Closed-mouth" menu?

Hi,
So I realized that I will be getting my wisdom teeth out shortly (all 4 of them). I'm quite apprehensive about it because I've had surgery a few times before (on other areas) and I always swell up, A LOT, and lose movement in the affected area. My oral surgeon has consulted with my other doctors and has said that I should expect my jaw to be extremely sore and difficult to move for longer than most people because of those extra complications. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can make sure to get enough calories and required nutrients when chewing will be difficult?

It's possible that I WON'T have problems but I would rather be prepared for a nearly immobile jaw than stuck for ideas on what to eat.

Thanks for any suggestions you might have. I'm used to being "put under" for various reasons but this is the first time I'm scared...somehow doctors messing with "soft tissues" never bothered me but the idea of my teeth being popped out is terrifying me!

Fri. Feb 3, 9:20am

I had to have bone removed from my jaw and grafted to an area of my mouth when I got my dental implant removed. Ouch!!! I had stuff like smoothies w/ banana and yogurt in them. Applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes. I was able to get my nutrients and it didn't hurt a bit. Good luck!

Friday, February 3, 2006, 9:37 AM

my mom used her blender to liquefy everything. I tried some of it and it actually tasted like regular food. It just looks bad but she told me it all went to the same place anyway and it probably looked that way in your mouth. She could hardly open her mouth at all so she had to use a straw. If you do smoothies try adding watermelon it tastes great.

Friday, February 3, 2006, 9:56 AM

The other suggestions are good. Smoothies are a great plan because the calories can really add up (a good thing in this case!). Mix yogurt, fruit, milk together. Cottage cheese might be a good choice too.

Good luck to you. I hope you don't even need this advice!

Friday, February 3, 2006, 10:44 AM

you can also try using silken tofu instead of milk or yogurts, this is good and lots of good protein.

Friday, February 3, 2006, 11:42 AM

I just got mine taken out about 2 years ago and it wasn't too bad. I was really swolen and achy but I just took the med's they gave me and it made me sleep through most of it.

Make sure to take your vitamins, and if your sleeping all day you don't need as many calories as you would if you were active. The most important part is to drink fluids so your body can recover and get lots of rest. I'm sure your doctor's told you all of this though.

Something to help with the swelling that my doctor (and my grandma) told me about was putting tea bags on your back teeth instead of gause. It really helped me. I think it's something with the caffiene. Make sure you boil them for about 2 minutes first, then let them cool and put in the back of your mouth. Good Luck!

Friday, February 3, 2006, 11:50 AM

This sounds silly, but try baby food. All the fruit flavors are great - apricot especially!

Friday, February 3, 2006, 12:21 PM

tofu is good for protein, but you can aso add a spoonful of nut butters to a smoothie for protein.

also: soup. puree it if need be.

Friday, February 3, 2006, 12:23 PM

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