Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a significant event, and it’s important to follow the advice of your dentist carefully. Proper care after the surgery can help you heal faster and avoid complications. However, there are several things you should avoid doing during your recovery process to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
In this article, we’ll cover the essential things you should not do after having your wisdom teeth removed. Understanding these “don’ts” will help you avoid pain, infection, and prolonged healing. Let’s dive in.
11 Things You Should Not Do After Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Don’t Ignore Your Dentist’s Instructions
After the removal of wisdom teeth, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth. These instructions are critical to your recovery, and not following them can lead to problems such as infections or dry sockets.
One of the most common instructions will be to avoid disturbing the blood clot that forms in the extraction sites. This blood clot helps to protect the bone and nerves, and it plays an important role in your healing. If you don’t follow your dentist’s instructions, the clot may become dislodged, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
2. Don’t Use Straws
After wisdom teeth removal, many people make the mistake of drinking through straws. This is a major “don’t” because the sucking action can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction sites. Without the clot, the bone and nerves in the extraction sites are exposed to air, food, and bacteria, which can lead to pain, infection, and dry sockets.
For the first few days after surgery, avoid using straws, and stick to drinking directly from a cup or glass. If you need to drink liquids, it’s better to sip them slowly to minimize any pressure on the extraction sites.
3. Don’t Eat Hard or Crunchy Foods
While it might be tempting to go back to your regular diet after the surgery, you should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods in the first few days. These types of foods can irritate the extraction sites, cause pain, and may even disrupt the healing process.
Hard foods can also break apart, leaving small pieces that can get lodged in the sockets, leading to infections. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and scrambled eggs for the first few days after surgery. These foods will be gentle on your healing gums and won’t put too much pressure on the extraction sites.
4. Don’t Skip the Pain Medication
Pain after wisdom teeth removal is normal, but many people make the mistake of avoiding their prescribed pain medications. It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding pain management. If you experience discomfort, taking the prescribed medications as directed will help reduce the pain and keep you comfortable while you heal.
Ignoring your pain medication can make the recovery process much harder and may cause you to become overly stressed, which can slow down healing. Always follow the instructions for pain medication carefully, and reach out to your dentist if you have any concerns about the medications you’re taking.
5. Don’t Touch or Play with the Extraction Sites
It’s natural to feel curious about the healing process, but it’s important to avoid touching or playing with the extraction sites. Avoid using your tongue or fingers to touch the areas where the wisdom teeth were removed. This can introduce bacteria into the open wound and lead to infections.
In addition, touching the areas can disturb the blood clot that is crucial for the healing process. If the clot is dislodged, it can lead to painful dry socket. Allow the wound to heal naturally and refrain from fiddling with the area.
6. Don’t Smoke or Vape
Smoking is a major “don’t” after having your wisdom teeth removed. The sucking action involved in smoking or vaping can dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry socket. On top of that, smoking can introduce harmful chemicals into your mouth, which increases the risk of infection and can slow down the healing process.
Even if you are a regular smoker, it’s best to refrain from smoking for at least a week after the procedure. The longer you can hold off, the better your chances are of healing quickly and without complications. If you can, try to quit smoking altogether, as it has numerous negative effects on oral health.
7. Don’t Expose the Extraction Sites to Excessive Heat
Heat can be problematic during the healing process. Don’t expose your extraction sites to excessive heat, whether from hot beverages, spicy foods, or direct sun exposure. Heat can increase swelling and irritation in the mouth, which may delay the healing process.
If you’re looking to ease any swelling after surgery, try using ice packs on the outside of your face. Applying ice during the first 48 hours after surgery can reduce swelling and help manage any discomfort. Avoid hot showers or baths that can increase blood flow to the surgical area and may cause more swelling.
8. Don’t Forget to Keep Your Mouth Clean
While you don’t want to brush or rinse too hard in the days immediately following your surgery, it’s still important to maintain good oral hygiene. Avoiding proper cleaning can lead to infections or complications with healing.
Your dentist may recommend a gentle saltwater rinse to keep your mouth clean. Start rinsing gently with warm saltwater after 24 hours, but avoid vigorous swishing, as this can disturb the blood clot. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth, but avoid the surgical sites directly for the first few days to prevent irritating the extraction sites.
9. Don’t Overexert Yourself
Physical activity can also hinder your healing process after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least a few days. Physical exertion can increase blood flow, which may lead to more swelling or discomfort. If you’re someone who usually exercises regularly, try to take it easy during the first few days after your surgery.
Listen to your body and only return to normal activities once you feel ready. Your dentist will likely recommend waiting until you’ve healed sufficiently before resuming any vigorous activities.
10. Don’t Ignore Signs of Infection
It’s common to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or bleeding after the surgery. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s important not to ignore them:
Severe or increasing pain after the initial pain subsides
Excessive swelling or redness around the extraction sites
Pus or foul-smelling drainage from the extraction sites
A fever or chills
These could be signs of an infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately. Prompt treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications.
11. Don’t Wait Too Long for a Follow-Up Appointment
Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment after your wisdom teeth removal. Don’t skip this visit. It’s important for your dentist to check the extraction sites and ensure that everything is healing properly. They can also address any concerns you may have and make recommendations for the remainder of your recovery.
During your follow-up visit, your dentist will check for complications such as infection, dry socket, or improper healing. They will also provide guidance on how to continue your recovery and when you can return to normal activities.
Conclusion
Taking care of yourself after wisdom teeth removal is essential for a smooth and successful recovery. By avoiding the things we’ve discussed, such as using straws, smoking, or ignoring your dentist’s instructions, you can help ensure that your healing process goes as smoothly as possible.
Remember to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions and be patient with your recovery. If you ever feel uncertain or experience any issues during the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. With proper care, you’ll be back to normal in no time.
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