Will I Lose Weight After Wisdom Teeth Removal Reddit
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to grow in the back of your mouth. While some people have enough space for them to come in normally, others may experience problems such as impaction, infection, or overcrowding. In such cases, wisdom teeth removal is often recommended by dentists or oral surgeons. However, many people wonder about the side effects of this procedure, including whether they will lose weight after wisdom teeth removal. In this article, we will explore this question and provide some insights based on Reddit users' experiences.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before we dive into the weight loss aspect, let's briefly review what happens during wisdom teeth removal. Depending on the complexity of your case, the procedure can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in your gums and remove the teeth, sometimes in pieces. Afterward, you will be given instructions on how to take care of the surgical site, what to eat, and what to avoid. You may experience some pain, swelling, bleeding, or bruising, which can last for a few days to a week or more. Your recovery time and level of discomfort may vary depending on your age, health, and other factors.
Do You Burn Calories After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
One of the common claims on Reddit and other online forums is that you can burn calories after wisdom teeth removal due to the increased metabolic rate. The idea behind this is that your body needs more energy to heal the surgical site, fight off infections, and regenerate tissues. While it's true that your body uses energy (in the form of calories) to perform these tasks, the amount of extra calories burned is likely to be small and temporary. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the increase in metabolic rate after wisdom teeth removal is only about 5-10% above baseline and lasts for no more than 3-5 days. Therefore, you should not expect to lose a significant amount of weight just because you had your wisdom teeth removed.
Can You Eat Less After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Another possible reason why some people may lose weight after wisdom teeth removal is that they have to eat less or differently than before. Depending on the type and severity of your case, you may be advised to stick to a soft or liquid diet for a few days or longer. This can include soups, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and applesauce, among other things. While these foods may be nutritious and easy to swallow, they are not very calorie-dense or filling, which means that you may consume fewer calories overall. In addition, you may experience a decreased appetite, nausea, or discomfort from the dental surgery, which can also affect your food intake. However, once you are able to resume your regular diet, your weight may return to its pre-surgery level.
What Are The Other Factors That Affect Weight Loss After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It's important to note that weight loss after wisdom teeth removal, if any, can be influenced by various factors, such as:
- Your starting weight: If you were already overweight or obese before the surgery, you may have a higher chance of losing weight due to the surgery or its effects on your appetite and metabolism.
- Your activity level: If you are physically active and burn more calories than you consume, you may be less likely to notice any weight loss or gain after the surgery.
- Your diet quality: If you consume a balanced and varied diet that meets your nutritional needs, you may be less likely to experience any significant changes in your weight or body composition.
- Your stress level: If you are under a lot of stress, whether from the surgery, work, or other factors, your body may release more cortisol, a hormone that can affect your metabolism, appetite, and fat storage.
- Your sleep quality: If you don't get enough sleep or have poor sleep quality, your body may produce more hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, and fewer satiety hormones, such as leptin, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
What Do Reddit Users Say About Weight Loss After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Finally, let's see what Reddit users have to say about their experience with weight loss after wisdom teeth removal. While there are many anecdotes and opinions out there, it's important to keep in mind that everyone's body and situation are different, and that a single factor or event may not cause a significant change in weight. That being said, here are some of the comments and threads we found:
- "I lost about 5 pounds and I think it's because I couldn't eat very much solid food for a few days. But I gained it back once I started eating normally again."
- "I didn't lose any weight, but I did notice that I wasn't as hungry as usual. Maybe the painkillers had something to do with it."
- "I actually gained weight because I ate a lot of ice cream and milkshakes to soothe my sore mouth. It was worth it though."
- "I didn't have any weight loss, but I did have some bloating and water retention from the antibiotics."
- "I don't know if I lost weight or not, but I definitely felt weaker and more tired than usual. Maybe it was because of the anesthesia."
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth removal may or may not cause weight loss in some individuals, depending on various factors such as metabolic rate, food intake, and other health and lifestyle factors. However, the weight loss, if any, is likely to be temporary and small, and should not be a main reason for getting the surgery. If you are concerned about your weight or any other aspect of your health, please consult your dentist, oral surgeon, or healthcare provider.