I Accidentally Drank From A Straw After Wisdom Teeth
Introduction
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is never a fun experience. The pain, swelling, and discomfort that come with it can be quite overwhelming. During the recovery period, you must be careful with what you eat and drink to ensure that the healing process goes smoothly. However, accidents can happen, and you might accidentally drink from a straw after wisdom teeth removal. In this article, we will discuss what happens when you drink from a straw after wisdom teeth removal and how to avoid it.
The Dangers of Using a Straw
After wisdom teeth removal, your mouth is full of open wounds that are susceptible to infections. When you use a straw to drink, the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to dry socket. Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing the bone and nerves.
The Symptoms of Dry Socket
The symptoms of dry socket include severe pain that radiates to your ear, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, and an empty-looking socket where the tooth was removed. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
How to Avoid Using a Straw
To avoid using a straw after wisdom teeth removal, try using a spoon to drink liquids. Slowly sip the liquid from the spoon and ensure that it stays at the back of your mouth. You can also drink from a cup or glass, but make sure to avoid using a straw.
What to Do If You Accidentally Use a Straw
If you accidentally drink from a straw after wisdom teeth removal, there's no need to panic. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help clean and disinfect the socket. Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling and take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist.
Conclusion
Drinking from a straw after wisdom teeth removal can be dangerous and lead to dry socket. It's essential to avoid using a straw during the recovery period to ensure that your wounds heal properly. If you accidentally use a straw, rinse your mouth with salt water and contact your dentist if you experience any symptoms of dry socket.