After having your wisdom teeth removed, you might experience a number of unexpected symptoms. One such issue that many patients face is excessive drooling. This might be uncomfortable and even a bit embarrassing, but it is generally a temporary condition that can be easily managed. Understanding why this happens and how to address it can help alleviate your concerns and make your recovery process smoother.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind drooling after wisdom teeth removal and provide you with helpful advice to manage it.
Understanding Drooling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Drooling is a common occurrence after wisdom teeth removal. The surgery causes both physical and physiological changes in the mouth that can contribute to this condition. It’s important to note that drooling is typically temporary and not a serious complication. However, it can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable during your recovery period.
By understanding the factors contributing to excessive drooling, you can feel more at ease knowing that it is a normal part of the healing process.
Why Does Drooling Occur After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
There are several reasons why drooling may occur after wisdom teeth removal. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:
Swelling and Numbness
Swelling is a common response after any type of oral surgery, including wisdom teeth removal. The removal of impacted teeth, the incision in the gums, and the trauma caused to the surrounding tissues can all contribute to swelling in the mouth and jaw area. When swelling occurs, it can affect the normal function of your mouth, making it harder to close your lips or control saliva production.
Additionally, anesthesia plays a role in this. Local anesthesia used during the procedure can cause temporary numbness in the mouth. This numbness may make it difficult for you to feel your mouth’s natural sensations, such as the feeling of saliva building up. As a result, you might not realize that you are drooling until it becomes noticeable.
Difficulty Swallowing
Swelling and numbness after surgery can also affect your ability to swallow properly. Normally, saliva is continuously produced in your mouth, and swallowing it is a natural reflex. However, after the extraction of wisdom teeth, your mouth may be filled with more saliva than usual because the discomfort and numbness make it harder for you to swallow as often as you would normally. This can lead to saliva pooling in your mouth and drooling.
Mouth Breathing
During your recovery, you may find it more comfortable to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose. This is particularly true if you are experiencing nasal congestion due to the procedure or if you’re avoiding putting pressure on your jaw. Mouth breathing can lead to an increase in saliva production, as your body tries to keep your mouth moist. This can contribute to drooling, especially if you’re not swallowing as regularly as you typically would.
Medications and Sedatives
Pain management after wisdom teeth removal often involves prescription medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics. Some of these medications can increase the production of saliva or affect your ability to swallow it properly. For example, narcotics or sedatives can cause temporary drowsiness or altered muscle control, leading to difficulty managing the saliva in your mouth. This can increase the chances of drooling.
Positioning During Surgery
Another factor that may contribute to drooling after the procedure is the position in which you were placed during the extraction. Patients are often reclined during surgery, and this position can affect the way saliva moves around in the mouth. If the surgery was complicated, or if your teeth were impacted, there may have been increased manipulation of your jaw or surrounding tissues. This can create more saliva buildup, leading to drooling.
Increased Saliva Production During Healing
After wisdom teeth are removed, your body goes into healing mode. As part of this, it may temporarily produce more saliva than usual. The excess saliva is necessary to help cleanse the wound site and promote healing. While this is a normal response, it can sometimes lead to more noticeable drooling, especially in the first few days following the procedure.
When Can You Expect Drooling to Subside?
Drooling after wisdom teeth removal is usually temporary and should subside as your mouth heals. The duration of excessive drooling varies from person to person. Typically, drooling will start to decrease within the first few days after surgery as swelling goes down and numbness fades. However, in some cases, it may take up to a week or longer for the issue to fully resolve.
The recovery time also depends on factors like the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth removed, and how well you are following post-operative care instructions. Most patients find that their drooling significantly decreases within 4 to 7 days after surgery.
How to Manage Drooling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Although drooling is a common and temporary issue, there are several things you can do to help manage the situation and feel more comfortable during your recovery. Let’s take a look at some tips to help reduce drooling and promote a smoother recovery.
Keep Your Head Elevated
To reduce swelling and control saliva production, it’s important to keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping. Propping yourself up with pillows can help prevent saliva from pooling in your mouth and can also reduce the pressure on the surgical sites. Keeping your head elevated will make it easier to swallow and manage saliva throughout the night.
Practice Swallowing Regularly
After the surgery, make a conscious effort to swallow your saliva regularly, even if you don’t feel the immediate need to. This will prevent saliva from building up in your mouth and reduce the likelihood of drooling. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, this will become easier as the numbness wears off and you regain control of your swallowing reflex.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to stay hydrated, but avoid drinking large amounts of water at once. Sipping water throughout the day will help keep your mouth moist and make it easier to swallow your saliva. Hydration is also important for the healing process, as it helps with tissue repair and the prevention of dry mouth.
Use Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling
Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling, which may indirectly alleviate excessive drooling. Swelling is one of the main contributors to drooling after wisdom teeth removal, so reducing it will help your mouth function more normally. Apply ice to your face in intervals of 15 to 20 minutes during the first 48 hours after surgery.
Avoid Overexerting Yourself
Engage in light activities and avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise while you are recovering. Overexertion can increase blood flow to the face, which may lead to increased saliva production and drooling. Resting and allowing your body to heal properly is essential for managing drooling and other post-operative symptoms.
When to Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
In most cases, drooling after wisdom teeth removal is a normal and temporary side effect that resolves within a few days. However, if the drooling persists for more than a week or if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon:
- Severe painthat doesn’t improve with prescribed pain medication.
- Swellingthat worsens after the first 48 hours.
- Signs of infection, such as pus or fever.
- Inability to swallow saliva, which may indicate a more serious issue.
Conclusion
Excessive drooling after wisdom teeth removal is a common and temporary issue that affects many patients. The main reasons for drooling include swelling, numbness, difficulty swallowing, mouth breathing, and medications. Fortunately, this issue typically resolves within a few days to a week as you heal.
To manage drooling, remember to keep your head elevated, practice swallowing regularly, and stay hydrated. If the drooling persists or you notice concerning symptoms, reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon for advice. By following these tips and caring for yourself during your recovery, you can reduce drooling and speed up the healing process after wisdom teeth removal.
Related topics:
Is Wisdom Teeth Surgery Outpatient or Inpatient?
When to Chew After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Left in If They’re Not Impacted?
