Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, but the recovery process can be tricky. To ensure your healing goes smoothly and without complications, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare. While there are many things you should do after your surgery, it’s equally important to avoid certain actions that can disrupt your recovery. Below are the 10 things you should not do after having your wisdom teeth removed.
10 Things Not to Do After Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
1. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products
Smoking or using tobacco after wisdom teeth removal can significantly slow down your healing. The chemicals in tobacco can irritate your gums and reduce the flow of oxygen to the affected areas. This can lead to infections, delayed healing, or even a painful condition called dry socket.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. It’s painful and can prolong your recovery. If you smoke, try to quit for at least a few days following surgery, and avoid tobacco products altogether during the healing process.
2. Don’t Drink Through a Straw
After wisdom teeth removal, it’s vital to avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week. When you use a straw, the suction can pull the blood clot out of the socket, increasing your risk of dry socket. The pressure created by sucking can dislodge the clot, leaving the bone exposed and causing severe pain. Stick to sipping liquids directly from a cup or glass for the first few days.
3. Don’t Eat Hard, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods
Eating solid foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy can be a big mistake after your wisdom teeth are removed. These types of foods can irritate the extraction sites, causing discomfort and potentially leading to complications like infection or delayed healing. Instead, opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and soup.
Even when you feel ready to eat regular food again, it’s best to avoid anything too tough or crunchy for at least a week or two. Be gentle when chewing and avoid placing too much pressure on the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed.
4. Don’t Ignore Pain or Swelling
Swelling and discomfort are common after wisdom teeth removal, but don’t ignore severe pain or prolonged swelling. If you experience intense pain, worsening swelling, or unusual symptoms such as fever, it’s crucial to contact your dentist or oral surgeon. These could be signs of an infection, and early intervention is key to preventing further complications.
Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs applied to the outside of your face during the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling, but if pain persists beyond a few days, follow up with your healthcare provider.
5. Don’t Skip Your Follow-Up Appointment
After your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist or oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress. Skipping this appointment can be detrimental to your recovery. During the visit, your dentist will check for any signs of infection or complications, remove any stitches (if necessary), and make sure the healing process is going smoothly.
Even if you feel better and think everything is fine, attending the follow-up appointment is vital. It ensures that the healing is progressing as expected and gives your dentist a chance to address any concerns.
6. Don’t Engage in Vigorous Physical Activity
Physical activity, especially vigorous exercise, can cause increased blood flow to your head and mouth, which may result in more swelling or bleeding. It can also put extra pressure on the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. For the first few days following surgery, it’s best to rest and avoid strenuous activities like running, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports.
Give your body time to heal and gradually ease back into your regular exercise routine once you’ve received clearance from your dentist or oral surgeon. Avoid any heavy physical activity for at least one week, or longer if your recovery is slower.
7. Don’t Touch or Disturb the Surgery Site
You might be tempted to check the healing process by touching the area with your fingers or tongue, but this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. The extraction sites are very delicate right after the procedure. Disturbing the area can also cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to complications like dry socket.
If you have any concerns or notice something unusual, it’s better to call your dentist rather than try to investigate or fix it yourself. The more you leave the surgical site alone, the faster and safer your recovery will be.
8. Don’t Drink Alcohol
Drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal can interfere with the healing process. Alcohol can irritate the tissue in your mouth and also react with any medications you might be taking, especially pain relievers and antibiotics. This can lead to unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or nausea, and it may even impair your ability to heal properly.
Avoid alcohol for at least a few days after surgery, or until you are no longer taking any prescription medications. Your dentist will provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume drinking alcohol.
9. Don’t Forget to Keep the Area Clean
Keeping your mouth clean after wisdom teeth removal is essential for preventing infections. However, you should be careful about how you clean the area to avoid disturbing the surgical sites. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing your teeth near the extraction sites, as this can cause irritation. After that, gently rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to help keep the area clean.
Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash or provide instructions for how to brush and care for your teeth after surgery. Following these instructions carefully will reduce your risk of infection and help you heal faster.
10. Don’t Forget to Get Enough Rest
Rest is one of the most important factors in your recovery after wisdom teeth removal. Your body needs time to heal, and getting enough sleep and avoiding stress are key components of the process. Inadequate rest can slow down your recovery and may even contribute to complications like infections or delayed healing.
Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid activities that might overexert you during the first few days. Relax and allow your body to recover fully before returning to your normal routine.
Conclusion
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a routine dental procedure, but it does require careful aftercare to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. By following the guidelines above and avoiding the actions listed, you can help ensure a smoother recovery and reduce the risk of pain or infection. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, always consult with your dentist. Your recovery is important, and the more you follow the proper steps, the sooner you can get back to your normal activities.
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