Dos And Don Ts Of Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that often grow in people’s late teens or early 20s. Although they are normal teeth, they can cause discomfort and pain if they don’t have enough room to grow. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, but the recovery process can be a bit challenging. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you have a smooth recovery.
The Dos
1. Follow your dentist’s instructions: Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your mouth after the surgery. Follow them carefully to avoid complications.
2. Bite down on the gauze: After the surgery, your dentist will place a piece of gauze on the extraction site. Bite down on it for at least 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding.
3. Apply ice packs: Swelling is common after wisdom teeth removal. Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 20 minutes on and off to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Eat soft foods: Avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods for at least a week after the surgery. Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
5. Keep your mouth clean: Brush your teeth gently and rinse your mouth with saltwater to keep the extraction site clean and avoid infection.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t smoke: Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot on the extraction site is dislodged.
2. Don’t rinse your mouth vigorously: Rinsing your mouth too vigorously can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process. Rinse your mouth gently with saltwater.
3. Don’t drink through a straw: Drinking through a straw can create suction that can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process.
4. Don’t exercise vigorously: Avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week after the surgery. Exercise can increase blood pressure and cause bleeding.
5. Don’t ignore signs of complications: If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or fever, contact your dentist immediately. These can be signs of complications.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal can be a bit challenging, but following these dos and don’ts can help you have a smooth recovery. Remember to follow your dentist’s instructions, eat soft foods, keep your mouth clean, and avoid smoking, rinsing your mouth vigorously, drinking through a straw, exercising vigorously, and ignoring signs of complications.
