If you will undergo wisdom teeth removal surgery soon, the right aftercare is key to a quick and healthy recovery. It prevents the blood clots that form in the affected sockets from dislodging, which delays healing and can cause discomfort. To help you take the best care of your mouth post-surgery, here are a few tips to follow. 

How to Care for Your Mouth Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Use Gauze and Tea Bags to Prevent Bleeding

Bleeding and oozing is normal in the hours following the surgery. To staunch the bleeding, place a clean gauze pad in your mouth and hold it there for about 30 minutes to encourage clot formation. If you are still bleeding, carefully bite down on a warm tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea causes blood vessels to contract, which prevents excessive bleeding. It also helps to sit upright as much as possible and refrain from physical activities to minimize blood loss. 

2. Reduce Swelling With Ice Packs

Swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal, particularly during the first two to three days after surgery. Applying ice packs to your cheeks minimizes swelling and dulls related pain. The site will likely appear blue, black, yellow, or green, which is typical and indicates blood moving within the tissues. Applying moist heat instead of ice packs 36 hours after surgery helps treat this discoloration and relieve discomfort. 

3. Avoid Straw Use and Vigorous Spitting

Spitting and using a straw to drink assorted beverages are two activities that can dislodge blood clots. Do not engage in either; if you must spit, do so as gently as possible. Your oral surgeon will let you know when it is okay to spit and use straws again, which is usually about a week after wisdom teeth surgery. Anything else that can irritate the sockets should be avoided, such as smoking cigarettes and touching the affected areas. 

4. Consume Soft Foods Only 

Chewing hard and crunchy foods after wisdom teeth removal dislodges the blood clots and can cause severe pain. Stick to soft foods for as long as your oral surgeon recommends, which is usually about a week, and avoid chewing on the side with the clots. Soft food recommendations include yogurt, applesauce, boiled vegetables, soft fruits such as bananas, mashed potatoes, and soft cheeses. 

If you still need to make a wisdom teeth removal appointment, contact Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Serving all of North Fort Worth, TX, this oral surgery center is about keeping patients comfortable and provides a wide range of services. Call (817) 741-2200 today to schedule your appointment or visit the website for more information.