How To Take Care Of Your Mouth After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed

While the actual procedure of having your wisdom teeth removed is not that big of a deal, the most frustrating part of it comes from having to take care of your mouth afterwards. The procedure can cause your mouth to be in pain for several days after the surgery. By learning how to properly care for your mouth, you can help the healing process go faster and decrease the pain.

Clotting Blood

After the procedure is finished, the dentist inserts gauze in your mouth to fill the large holes where you once had wisdom teeth. They help the blood to clot, as well as prevent your mouth from filling with blood.

It is important to remember that you should avoid spitting during the first few days after having your wisdom teeth extracted, as the spitting motion will cause unnecessary pressure that can hurt your gums and dislodge the clots. The blood must clot to help prevent pain and avoid causing any unintentional damage to the area.

Another way you can help the blood to clot is by gently chewing on wet tea bags. The caffeine helps the blood circulate in the area, and tannin found inside the tea bag assist with clotting.

Salt Water Rinsing

Your dentist will give you instructions as to when you can begin rinsing out your mouth using a salt water solution. You should wait at least 24 hours because the stitches in your mouth need to heal.

Once you can begin rinsing, it will assist in the healing process and prevent the area from becoming irritated. Remember to never spit out water, as you need to let it slowly dribble to avoid putting pressure on your gums and stitches.

Hot And Cold Packs

Use ice within the first 24 hours to prevent facial swelling. Ice won't help reduce your facial swelling after 24 hours, but it can assist with reducing pain.

Starting on day 3, you can begin using a hot pack on your face. Continuing to use ice may actually cause swelling starting on the third day.

Straw Use

Much like how spitting could cause unwanted pressure inside your mouth, the same can be said of using straws. The sucking motion can cause stitches to rip out, increase the chance of blood clots forming, and increase the amount of time your gums will take to heal. Avoid straws whenever possible.

If you follow these helpful tips, your gums will heal faster after having your wisdom teeth removed. For more information, contact a dentist like Andersen Kevin Dr Inc.


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