Jaw Surgery Survival Checklist — The TMJ Collective

Stock the kitchen

Eating & drinking

Soft baby spoons — easier to maneuver when your opening is limited Large oral syringes — for liquids or liquid medication if your care team recommends them Condiment squeeze bottles — often easier than a syringe for soups, smoothies, and water High-powered blender or immersion blender Protein shakes such as Ensure, Boost, or a preferred equivalent Protein supplement such as LiquaCel, if it fits your diet and your care team approves Electrolyte drinks or electrolyte powder Broth, smooth soups, yogurt, applesauce, and other surgeon-approved foods Reusable ice-pop molds — an optional way to make hydration more appealing

Settle in

Swelling, sleep & comfort

Reusable facial ice packs or a jaw ice wrap — cold therapy is commonly used early in recovery; follow your surgeon’s timing Facial heating pad — usually for a later stage only, once your surgeon says heat is appropriate Wedge pillow — helps keep your head elevated Extra pillows or a travel neck pillow — helps keep you supported and from rolling onto your face Humidifier — especially useful if congestion or mouth-breathing leaves you dry Lip balm or lip treatment — a thick, fragrance-free option may be less irritating; use your favorite if it agrees with your skin Squishmallow or small soft pillow — useful for bracing, positioning, and comfort Soft tissuesWashcloths or gentle face wipes

Keep it gentle

Oral & nasal care

Extra-soft baby toothbrush or surgical toothbrush Surgeon-approved mouth rinse — do not assume every over-the-counter mouthwash is appropriate Alcohol-free mouthwash for later use, if approved Cotton swabs — for careful external cleanup only; keep them away from incisions unless instructed Saline nasal spray — especially after upper-jaw surgery, but only as directed Small flashlight and handheld mirror — helpful for seeing elastics and cleaning carefully Orthodontic wax — helpful if hooks or braces rub against swollen tissue

Wait on the Waterpik. Keep it on the later-recovery list unless your surgeon specifically tells you when and where it is safe to use. Early water pressure can irritate healing incisions.

Stay on track

Medication & care organization

Pill crusher — confirm first that each medication may safely be crushed; extended-release and enteric-coated pills generally should not be Medicine cups, measuring spoons, or a marked medication syringe Medication organizer or written medication tracker Phone alarms for doses, hydration, and meals Digital thermometer All prescribed medications filled before surgery, when possible

Easy access

Clothing & cleanup

Button-up or zip-front shirts — no pulling clothes over a swollen face Loose, comfortable pants Adult bib, dental bibs, or oversized hand towels

Stay connected

Communicating & passing the time

Small whiteboard and dry-erase markers — especially helpful if talking is difficult Notes app or text-to-speech app set up before surgery Long phone-charging cable Headphones, downloaded shows, audiobooks, or podcasts

Nice to have

Helpful, but not essential

Shower stool if you tend to feel weak, dizzy, or unsteady No-rinse shampoo cap or dry shampoo for the first few days Flexible reusable straws—for later only and only when your surgeon allows suction Mini food containers or freezer trays for freezing single portions Plug-in night-light for safe nighttime medication and bathroom trips

A note from me

A few things not to buy in bulk yet

One flavor of protein shake: Your taste and tolerance can change after surgery. Sample several first.
Strong or alcohol-based mouthwash: It may sting or conflict with your surgeon’s oral-care plan.
A huge supply of syringes: Some patients quickly prefer squeeze bottles or cups.
Specialty supplements: Check ingredients, medication interactions, and surgical instructions first.

The Jaw Surgery
Survival Checklist

Eating & drinking

Swelling, sleep & comfort

Oral & nasal care

Medication & care organization

Clothing & cleanup

Communicating & passing the time

Helpful, but not essential

Prepare before surgery

A few things not to buy in bulk yet

The Jaw SurgerySurvival Checklist

Eating & drinking

Swelling, sleep & comfort

Oral & nasal care

Medication & care organization

Clothing & cleanup

Communicating & passing the time

Helpful, but not essential

Prepare before surgery

A few things not to buy in bulk yet

The Jaw Surgery
Survival Checklist