You must be happy by now that your wisdom teeth has finally been removed and you are free from the nightmare. But it doesn’t end there yet. Following proper recovery measures and procedures also equally counts to prevent further complications and problems down the road. It is likely that you would encounter bleeding, swelling and other circumstances after the procedure. Follow these essential recovery tips after wisdom teeth removal:
Take Rest as much as Possible:
Taking rest is very vital when it comes to recovery after wisdom teeth removal. This is highly important, as it helps you to reduce stress and blood pressure levels that facilitate a speedy recovery. Relax with your head elevated by pillows.
Rinse your Mouth with Salt Water:
It is not advisable to go with brushing and flossing right away after the procedure. It is normal to experience some swelling and pain in the jaw and gums, as stated before. The specialist will also offer you medications to get relief from pains, but always remember that maintenance of oral hygiene is essential to reduce pains as well. Rinse your mouth with salt water more often, especially after eating.
Use Tea Bags:
It is possible to experience some bleeding from the surgical site after the procedure. To control this phenomenon, use tea bags and gauge in the area, so that bleeding is controlled. Make sure you replace them quite often so as to prevent any infections.
Exercise your Mouth:
Agreed your mouth might be sore after the surgery is done, however open your mouth as much as possible. Exercising your mouth really helps in reducing stiffness and also improves blood circulation in that specific area. This is very imperative for recovery and should not be avoided.
Always opt for Soft Foods:
Never have hard foods that requires more chewing. This can impact the surgical site, causes bleeding and slows down the recovery process. Once bleeding stops, drink lots of lukewarm water and cold liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Also ensure that the soft foods you eat are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Stick to the following soft foods during recovery:
- Ice cream
- Soup
- Apple sauce
- Yogurt
- Instant oatmeal
- Smoothies or milkshakes
- Mash potatoes
- Jell-O or pudding
When do you need help from a Dentist?
Pain and swelling should improve through the recovery period, however if you notice any of the following signs, contact your dentist as soon as possible:
- Swelling worsens instead of getting better
- Severe pains for 3 to 4 days after surgery
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop even with pressure applied
- Elevated fever that stays consistently
After wisdom teeth removal, take good care of your oral health and follow the above tips to ensure any complexities and complications are prevented throughout recovery.