Getting jaw surgery is no joke, and the no chew diet that comes after? Yeah, it can be rough. But don’t worry you’re not stuck with just sad soups and baby food forever. This guide has everything you need to know to get through it without losing your mind (or a bunch of weight you didn’t want to lose).
No Chew Diet After Jaw Surgery
What Is a No Chew Diet?
A no-chew diet means exactly that — no chewing allowed. Your jaw needs time to heal, and using it to chew could mess up all the work the surgeon did. So, everything you eat has to be super soft, blended, or liquid.
How Long Does a No Chew Diet Last?
It depends on the surgery and how fast you heal, but most people stay on a no-chew diet for 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon or orthodontist will tell you exactly how long.
What Can You Eat on a No Chew Diet?
Here are some safe and actually decent options:
- Smoothies (add protein powder if you’re not eating much else)
- Blended soups (tomato, potato, broccoli cheddar)
- Applesauce
- Yogurt (no chunks!)
- Mashed potatoes
- Pudding or custard
- Oatmeal (super soft)
- Scrambled eggs (if allowed)
- Protein shakes
- Milkshakes (treat yourself, just go easy on the sugar)
- Pureed veggies or baby food if you’re desperate
Tip: If it needs chewing, skip it. If you can drink it with a straw or spoon, you’re good.
What to Avoid
Totally off-limits:
- Chips, crackers, or anything crunchy
- Meat (unless it’s blended, which… yeah, not great)
- Bread, even soft ones
- Rice, quinoa, or grains that break apart
- Anything that needs your teeth to break it down
Even if something seems soft, if it requires any jaw movement to eat, save it for later.
Meal Ideas (No-Chew Style)
- Breakfast: Protein smoothie with banana, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter
- Lunch: Creamy tomato soup + mashed avocado (super soft)
- Dinner: Blended sweet potato soup + soft scrambled eggs
- Snacks: Applesauce, pudding cups, vanilla Ensure shake
How to Serve No-Chew Foods
Make it easy on yourself:
- Use a blender for soups and veggies
- Strain smoothies if seeds get stuck
- Serve everything warm or cold, depending on what feels better for your mouth
- Use a spoon or small straw (depending on your surgeon’s advice)
How to Store Meals
- Make big batches of soup or smoothies and store them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
- Use airtight containers to keep things fresh
- Freeze extras in individual portions — easy to reheat when you’re not feeling up to cooking
- Label stuff so you don’t forget what it is later (pureed broccoli and sweet potato look weirdly similar)
FAQs
Can I drink with a straw?
Maybe. Some surgeons say yes, others say no (because of suction pressure). Ask your doctor just to be safe.
How do I get enough protein?
Smoothies with protein powder, Greek yogurt, eggs (if allowed), and nutrition shakes like Ensure or Boost can help a lot.
Is it okay to eat ice cream?
Yes! As long as it doesn’t have chunks or nuts. It’s cold, soothing, and honestly a bright spot in a rough diet.
When can I start chewing again?
Your surgeon will give the green light — usually after a follow-up X-ray. Don’t rush it, even if you’re craving fries hard.
Do I need a blender for this diet?
Yeah, it helps a lot. A regular blender or Nutribullet can turn almost anything soft into something sip-able.
