Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental surgeries, and taking proper precautions after your extraction is important to support a healthy recovery!
Your wisdom teeth are a set of large back molars that typically emerge in early adulthood. Most people have four—two on top and two on the bottom—but some may have fewer or none at all!
Often, there isn’t enough space in the mouth to comfortably accommodate your large wisdom teeth. Removing the wisdom teeth can prevent future issues like jaw pain, tooth impaction, and even infection. However, if you don’t take care of the extraction sites and follow the proper steps for recovery, you might end up dealing with some unpleasant consequences.
What to Do While Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal
After your dentist removes your wisdom teeth, blood clots will form at the extraction site. It’s super important to ensure these clots remain in place, or you could end up with a painful condition called dry socket. Improper aftercare could also lead to infection — ouch!
Follow these tips for a healthy recovery after wisdom teeth removal so you can feel better, faster.
Eat Soft Foods and Avoid Seeds and Kernels
Hard foods with seeds, kernels, or crunchy bits can get lodged in your extraction sites, encouraging infection or compromising your blood clots. Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and fruit purees. Make sure you drink lots of water to stay hydrated and speed up the healing process!
Trust Us — Don’t Use a Straw!
Drinking straws are notorious for causing dry socket, so avoid them at all costs! If your craving for a Slurpee is too mighty to resist, enjoy it with a spoon instead of the classic straw.
Avoid Exercise for a Few Days
Spiking your heart rate and engaging in rapid movement through exercise is a major risk factor for dry socket. Allow yourself time to chill out for 2-3 days — you deserve it! Wisdom teeth extraction is a significant surgery. Your body needs rest to recover!
Don’t Smoke
Smoking increases your risk for several oral health issues, but it’s essential to avoid smoking after wisdom teeth removal. Similarly to using a drinking straw, the sucking action from smoking can lead to dry socket. It also tends to slow down your healing process and can increase the risk of infection.
Don’t Swish Mouthwash or Water the Day of Your Removal
If you wash away those blood clots, you’ll feel pretty rotten in the morning! Be gentle on your mouth and sip your water slowly for the first day. For the week after, salt water rinses throughout the day and after meals is recommended.
Avoid Poking the Extraction Site
Sometimes it can be hard to resist poking at the hole where your tooth used to be — with your tongue or finger — but that’s another common way people can dislodge their blood clots. Keeping your fingers out of your mouth after the procedure is especially important, as they can introduce harmful germs that may lead to infection.
Carefully Follow Instructions for Any Medications You’re Prescribed
Depending on the nature of your wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to assist recovery. Always follow the medication instructions exactly as printed to prevent infection or other nasty complications.
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal can be easy and stress-free if you follow our aftercare tips! Are yours beginning to emerge, or are you unsure if you require removal? Book now with the Kildonan Crossing Dental Clinic team, and we can provide a thorough assessment and treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.