Learn 8 things you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal to avoid complications and speed up your recovery in this informative and helpful post.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that millions of people undergo every year.
But it’s not a walk in the park.
It can take several days or even weeks to fully heal from the surgery.
And if you don’t follow the proper post-operative care instructions, you could end up with complications like dry socket, infection, or bleeding.
In this post, I’ll show you 8 things you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal that will help you recover faster and avoid any problems.
Let’s dive right in.
8 Things To Avoud After Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Eating Hard or Crunchy Foods
The first thing you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal is eating hard or crunchy foods.
Why?
Because these foods can irritate the extraction site and increase the risk of food particles getting lodged in the socket, potentially leading to infection.
Here are some examples of foods to avoid:
Nuts
Seeds
Popcorn
Chips
Hard candy
Instead, stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like:
Applesauce
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Smoothies
Soup
These foods will not only prevent irritation and infection, but also provide you with the nutrients you need to heal faster.
But don’t eat them right away.
Wait at least an hour after the tooth extraction before eating anything, and then start with small bites and chew slowly.
Also, avoid eating on the same side as the extraction site, and rinse your mouth with water after every meal.
Follow these tips until your dentist says otherwise.
2. Drinking Hot Liquids or Using Straws
Hot liquids can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, which is crucial for healing.
Similarly, sucking on straws creates suction that can also dislodge the clot.
If the clot is lost, you could end up with a painful condition called dry socket, which exposes the underlying bone and nerves to air, food, and bacteria.
Trust me, you don’t want that.
So, what should you drink instead?
Opt for lukewarm or cold liquids, such as:
Water
Juice
Milk
Tea
Coffee
But don’t drink them too fast or too much, as this can also increase bleeding and swelling.
And avoid straws for at least 24-48 hours after the surgery.
3. Smoking or Using Tobacco
Smoking and tobacco use can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection.
They can also interfere with the blood clot formation and cause dry socket.
Not to mention, they can stain your teeth and cause bad breath.
So, it’s best to avoid them altogether during your recovery period.
4. Vigorous Rinsing or Spitting
The fourth thing you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal is vigorous rinsing or spitting.
Why?
Because this can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket or bleeding.
Well, this doesn’t mean you should avoid rinsing altogether.
Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water is actually encouraged after 24 hours, as it can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and infection.
But you have to be gentle and careful.
Here’s how to do it:
Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.
Take a small sip and swish it around your mouth for 10-15 seconds.
Let the water flow naturally over your teeth and out of your mouth. Do not spit forcefully.
Repeat until you finish the cup.
Do this 3-4 times a day, especially after meals and before bed.
Follow these steps until your dentist tells you to stop.
5. Blowing Your Nose
Pressure from blowing your nose can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket or bleeding.
This is especially true if you had your upper wisdom teeth removed, as they are close to the sinuses.
If you have nasal congestion, you can try using a decongestant spray or gently wiping your nose with a tissue.
But avoid blowing your nose for at least a week after the surgery.
And if you have to sneeze, do it with your mouth open to reduce the pressure.
6. Strenuous Activity
Strenuous activity can increase blood pressure and bleeding, and delay healing.
This includes activities like:
Exercise
Heavy lifting
Running
Bending
Sports
So, how long should you avoid them?
It depends on how you feel and how fast you heal.
As a general rule, you should avoid them for at least a few days after the surgery.
And when you resume them, start slowly and gradually.
Don’t push yourself too hard or too fast.
And listen to your body.
If you feel any pain, discomfort, or bleeding, stop immediately and contact your dentist.
7. Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol can thin the blood and interfere with pain medication, making your recovery harder and longer.
It can also dehydrate you and irritate the extraction site.
So, how long should you avoid alcohol?
At least 24 hours after the surgery.
But preferably longer, until you stop taking pain medication and your extraction site heals completely.
And when you do drink alcohol, do it in moderation and with plenty of water.
8. Picking at the Extraction Site
Picking at the extraction site with your tongue or fingers can irritate the area and increase the risk of infection.
It can also dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket or bleeding.
So, resist the temptation to touch or poke the extraction site.
And if you have stitches, leave them alone.
They will either dissolve on their own or be removed by your dentist.
There You Have It
8 things you can’t do after wisdom teeth removal that will help you recover faster and avoid any problems.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative.
If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might need it.
And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading and happy healing! If you are looking for dentist in Calgary, Contact Hamptons Dental.