Pain control

Give paracetamol as required for pain. Tender loving care is recommended. Offer frequent small feedings.

Diet

Encourage fluids. Give a soft diet as tolerated, encourage sips of water after eating to help wash the mouth.  Do not allow fizzy drinks or objects to be placed in the mouth (including straws, dummies). Do not give hard foods like toast, biscuits, potato crisps or rusks.  Foods such as pureed food, mashed potato, yoghurt, jelly, custard and ice-cream are of an appropriate consistency.

Activities

Encourage gentle, quiet activities at home.

Medical attention

Seek medical attention in the event of:

• Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
• Persistent fever
• General unwellness
• Poor oral intake
• Bleeding from the mouth or nose
• Difficulty with breathing (especially if choking or stopping breathing for periods when asleep)

Follow-up

Your follow-up appointment will be at one of the following:

• Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk, Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (morning appointment)
• Consultant Clinic 
• Consultant Private Rooms 
• Local doctor

If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to reschedule.

Contact

Pru Talbot, Cleft Co-ordinator - 9345 6595
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345 5522

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed November 2015.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.