Dos And Don'ts After Getting Wisdom Teeth Pulled
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled can be a daunting experience. However, with proper care and precautions, you can make the recovery process quick and easy. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don'ts after getting your wisdom teeth pulled.
The Dos:
1. Rest:
After the surgery, it's important to take rest for the first 24 hours. Avoid any physical activity that can cause discomfort or bleeding.
2. Apply Ice:
Applying ice packs on the cheeks can help to reduce swelling and pain. Place the ice pack for 20 minutes and then remove it for 10 minutes. Do this for the first 48 hours after surgery.
3. Eat Soft Foods:
For the first few days after surgery, stick to soft and easy-to-eat foods like soup, yogurt, pudding, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that can irritate the surgical site.
4. Keep Mouth Clean:
It's important to keep your mouth clean after surgery. Rinse your mouth with saltwater solution several times a day to prevent infection and promote healing.
5. Take Medications:
Take the prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed by your dentist. This will help to manage pain and prevent infection.
6. Follow Dental Appointments:
Follow up with your dentist regularly to ensure proper healing and to remove any stitches if needed.
The Don'ts:
1. Don't Smoke:
Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after surgery.
2. Don't Drink from a Straw:
Drinking from a straw can cause dry sockets, which can be painful. Avoid using straws for the first few days after surgery.
3. Don't Eat Hard Foods:
Avoid hard and crunchy foods that can irritate the surgical site. This includes nuts, chips, and popcorn.
4. Don't Touch the Surgical Site:
Avoid touching the surgical site with your tongue, fingers, or any objects. This can cause infection and delay healing.
5. Don't Skip Medications:
Avoid skipping or altering the prescribed medications without consulting your dentist. This can affect healing and may cause complications.
6. Don't Drive:
Avoid driving for at least 24 hours after surgery. The anesthesia and pain medications can cause drowsiness and affect your driving ability.
Conclusion:
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled can be uncomfortable, but following the dos and don'ts can make the recovery process smoother. Remember to rest, apply ice, eat soft foods, keep your mouth clean, take medications, and follow dental appointments. Avoid smoking, using straws, eating hard foods, touching the surgical site, skipping medications, and driving. By following these guidelines, you can ensure proper healing and avoid complications.