Dos And Don'ts After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that appear in your mouth. They usually grow during your late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth surgery is a common dental procedure that involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. After the surgery, you need to follow some dos and don'ts to ensure a smooth recovery. In this article, we'll discuss the dos and don'ts after wisdom teeth surgery.
Dos After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
1. Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes on and off to reduce swelling and bruising. Do this for the first 24 hours after surgery.
2. Eat soft foods: Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and smoothies for the first few days after surgery. Avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods that can irritate the surgical site.
3. Rest: Rest for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities like exercising or lifting heavy objects that can increase blood pressure and cause bleeding.
4. Gargle with saltwater: Gargle with saltwater after meals to keep the surgical site clean and prevent infection. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle gently.
5. Take pain medication as prescribed: Take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. Don't exceed the recommended dosage or frequency.
Don'ts After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
1. Use straws: Don't use straws for at least a week after surgery. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
2. Smoke: Don't smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection and dry socket.
3. Spit: Don't spit for at least a week after surgery. Spitting can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
4. Drink alcohol: Don't drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after surgery. Alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of bleeding and infection.
5. Brush too hard: Don't brush too hard around the surgical site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid irritation.
Conclusion
Following these dos and don'ts after wisdom teeth surgery can help you have a smooth and quick recovery. Remember to take your pain medication as prescribed, eat soft foods, and rest. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, using straws, and spitting to prevent complications. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or swelling, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. It's essential to follow all the post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
