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Getting your wisdom teeth removed is important for your oral health, but you need to keep caring for your oral health afterwards by following the after-care instructions you dentist gives you. These instructions may include the following mandates:
Eating And Drinking
You should eat soft foods in the days following the removal of your wisdom teeth and avoid chewing near the extraction site. Foods you should avoid eating include those that are:
- Chewy
- Hard
- Hot
- Spicy
You should also drink a lot of water after this procedure and avoid beverages which are:
- Alcoholic
- Hot
- Carbonated
- Caffeinated
Blood Clot Protection
A blood clot will form in the extraction site which protects the area and allows it to heal. You need to be careful that you do not dislodge this blood clot by avoiding:
- Vigorous activities
- Drinking through a straw
- Spitting
Other Steps To Follow
There are other after-care steps you need to follow in order to protect your mouth and aid healing. These steps include:
- Beginning to gently brush your teeth 24 hours after the surgery
- Also start rinsing your mouth with salt water at this time
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
Warning Signs
Even if you follow the after-care steps, there are some problems that can still develop such as dry socket, infection, and nerve damage. Call your dentist if you start to show the following symptoms:
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Excess bleeding
- Fever
- Severe pain that cannot be relieved with medication
- Swelling that worsens after a couple of days
- A bad taste in the mouth which salt water cannot remove
- Pus or oozing from the extraction site
- Persistent numbness
- Blood or pus from the nose