Tips for Taking Care of Your Mouth after Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If your dentist has informed you that you’re going to need your wisdom teeth removed, there’s no reason for you to panic. This is a procedure that many patients undergo, as it’s often crucial towards ensuring good long-term oral health. That said, taking care of your mouth after the procedure and ensuring that your recovery goes smoothly is of the utmost importance! Here are some tips to help you comfortably and correctly take care of your mouth after having your wisdom teeth extracted.

1. Reduce Swelling

After the procedure, swelling and bruising around your mouth, cheeks, and eyes might occur; this is your body’s natural reaction to the surgery and is nothing you need to worry about. Often, the swelling will not become apparent until a couple of days afterwards and can persist for several days. However, you can minimize any facial swelling with the use of an ice pack. Though after 24 – 36 hours, ice has little beneficial effect to reduce swelling.

2. Address Any Bleeding

You can expect a certain amount of bleeding after the surgery; slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is also not uncommon. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth and then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for half an hour. You can repeat this as necessary, but keep in mind that the gauze must be placed directly over the surgical area, as chewing on it can stimulate the flow of saliva and increase the risk of more bleeding. If you’re unable to get the bleeding to subside, contact your oral surgeon promptly.

3. Stick to a Soft-Food Diet and Stay Hydrated

You should initially stick to a liquid diet following general anesthesia or I.V. sedation, but you should only drink from a glass and do not suck or use a straw, as the suction can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. When you begin eating soft foods, chew away from the surgical sites. Also ensure that you’re receiving enough nutrition and staying hydrated—try not to skip any meals!

4. Keep Your Mouth Clean

You should avoid vigorous rinsing until at least the day following surgery. However, you can brush your teeth the night of surgery if you rinse gently. The day after surgery, you should begin rinsing at least 5 times a day, especially after eating! Rinse with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt—this will help your surgical sites to heal more quickly.

5. Follow Your Oral Surgeon’s Instructions

Your oral surgeon might prescribe an antibiotic for you to take following your procedure. Be sure to take it as directed to prevent infection. If you received sutures, which are placed in the surgical area to reduce bleeding and assist with healing, they will either dissolve or need to be removed at a follow-up appointment—though this procedure is quick and painless. Following all your oral surgeon’s instructions after your procedure is the best way to ensure that everything heals properly.

If you’re slated to have your wisdom teeth removed, following these tips will give your mouth the best shot at a smooth recovery.

About the Practice

Blue Coast Dental Group proudly serves patients and families in the Torrance, CA area! The practice houses a team of four exceptional specialists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvin, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi. They are pleased to offer a wide range of available services, including wisdom tooth extraction! If you have any questions about wisdom tooth extraction or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (310) 424-3100.