Whether you are scheduled for wisdom teeth removal or another type of oral surgery, a healthy recovery is key to avoiding serious side effects like bleeding, inflammation, and infection. Understanding which dental care techniques can help you recover quickly—and what you should avoid— will make the process smoother. Learn more about a few general recovery tips below.

Do:

Rest and relax

Avoid returning to daily activities until your dentist or oral surgeon says it’s okay. Overexertion after oral surgery will stress your body while it’s trying to heal. Get comfortable on your couch with books and movies, and use a pillow to prop up your head. This helps keep the blood circulating to reduce swelling and bleeding.

Consume immune-boosting foods

Eat soft, nutrient-dense foods that improve immune system function and won’t injure sensitive mouth tissue, such as yogurt, soups, mashed vegetables, and pureed fruits. If you’re recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, avoid crunchy and hard foods that can cause pain or dislodge blood clots.

Follow recommended oral hygiene practices

Refer to the dental care instructions from your dentist so you aren’t brushing your teeth too soon or using alcohol-based mouthwashes, both of which can irritate the affected tissue. Rinse with salt water to keep your mouth clean of excess bacteria, and resume brushing and flossing a few days into your recovery as per your oral hygiene guidelines.

Don’t:

Drink alcohol or use tobacco

Abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery since it’s a depressant that lowers immunity and can interfere with antibiotic medication. Also, avoid smoking, as the sucking action can upset any blood clots. Additionally, the thousands of chemicals in cigarettes dampen the healing process and otherwise harm your oral health. 

Neglect your antibiotics

Take the antibiotics you were prescribed as directed until you run out, as stopping an antibiotics regimen too soon will increase your risk of infection. Additionally, don’t take antibiotics at the same time as over-the-counter or prescription pain medication without a doctor’s orders.

Hesitate to call your dentist

Call your dentist immediately if you notice excessive swelling, bleeding, or have another issue hindering your recovery, such as a tooth abscess. They will either recommend dental care practices to help resolve the problem or schedule a visit to determine the next treatment steps. 

Maintain your dental care by scheduling routine teeth cleanings and checkups with Jeanne Rowland, DDS LLC. This dental practice has kept residents throughout Rock County, WI, smiling beautifully since 1996, providing emergency, general, and cosmetic dentistry services. Call (608) 868-4500 to make an appointment or learn more about their services online. Get the latest dentistry news and oral hygiene tips on their Facebook.