About 90% of people have an impacted wisdom tooth. This implies that it has no space for growth, leaving room for the build-up of bacteria.
After a while, wisdom teeth removal surgery becomes necessary. This helps avoid damage to other teeth. Sometimes dentists recommend the surgery even when there is no pain.
However, most people tend to do more damage to their teeth after the surgery. It’s advisable to follow instructions given by the wisdom teeth removal dentist.
If you are about to undergo wisdom teeth removal, get ready for the aftercare. Proper healing of the gums demands constant care and attention.
Here are seven common mistakes you need to avoid after wisdom teeth removal surgery.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
After teeth removal surgery, most people avoid brushing their teeth due to the intense pain. The result might be an awful breath due to all the decay.
Ask the dentist to guide you through a mouth cleaning routine. It’s wise to rinse your mouth every time you eat or drink till the wound heals.
Dentists always recommend you use Luke warm water when rinsing the mouth.
Add a pinch of salt to your rinsing water. It will act as a disinfectant. Don’t rinse with a lot of vigor as well.
Consult the dentist on which mouthwash to use in your mouth cleaning routine. Some can induce bleeding depending on the active ingredients in them.
2. Use of Tobacco
Smoking causes a lot of oral health issues. A good wisdom teeth removal dentist will prohibit smoking for a while.
The majority of active smokers think that smoking will take the edge off. However, it will only cause you worse pain.
Take staying away from tobacco as a surgery management measure. Smoking induces pain in two ways. The suction motion disrupts the formation of blood clots hence delaying the healing process.
Besides, there are a lot of harmful substances in cigarettes. They tend to build up in the open wound and cause a dry socket. This condition is much more painful than the healing gums.
To make it worse, pain medications are ineffective when in this condition. Note that any other use of nicotine could cause the same effects.
3. Poor Nutrition
Most patients endure intense pain after a wisdom teeth removal surgery. This makes them avoid any food after the surgery.
It’s advisable to start taking cold drinks right after you take the gauze off. The cold will help reduce the pain intensity and the bleeding.
Besides, staying hydrated is critical in the healing stage. To catalyze the healing process, avoid any carbohydrate or sugared drinks.
The dentist will recommend a careful wisdom teeth removal diet. Avoid any hard foods like nuts or some cereals. If you are finding it hard to chew, you can always make a puree out of the food.
Ensure to have a steady intake of vitamins and water. Most doctors recommend taking lots of food rich in vitamin C. These play a vital role in gum repair and preventing diseases.
4. Poking the Gum Area
Some patients find it hard not to touch the gum area after wisdom teeth removal. Most people do it out of curiosity; they want to know how the sore area feels like.
After poking the tooth socket for a while, they graduate to poking it with a finger. Some patients find it soothing. However, it introduces a lot of bacteria to the healing wound.
Dentists have explained the tongue carries harmful as well as helpful bacteria. Try not to touch the affected area as much as possible. When replacing the gauze, make sure to disinfect your hands first. Follow the dentist’s instructions on the gauze replacement to avoid as much contact as possible.
There are other ways to deal with swellings after wisdom teeth removal. Dentists recommend that you put an ice pack over it. Consult your dentist so that you can do it right.
If you encounter any swellings without poking, the wound will heal in about two or three days.
5. Overbooking Your Day
The majority of the patients underestimate how critical dental surgery can be. Some patients overbook the day they have an appointment with the wisdom tooth removal dentist. It’s unwise to indulge in high-energy activities after visiting the dentist.
Strenuous activities naught derail the formation of blood clots. Further, it might induce bleeding.
When visiting the dentist, make sure to clear the rest of the day. You can tend to urgent issues before or after the wisdom teeth removal surgery.
6. Blowing Your Nose Too Hard
A lot of patients wonder what noses have to do with wisdom teeth removal surgery. Dentists reveal that blowing your nose too hard might derail your healing process.
This is because it might cause a rupture in blood vessels that will lead to more bleeding. This might be hard to avoid especially if you have a running nose. It’s advisable to do it in gentle sweep motions for the first two weeks.
If you experience any excessive bleeding, don’t spit it out. It will remove the blood clot from the socket. The healing process will have to begin all over again.
7. Using Straws
Something about taking homemade health smoothies may tempt you to use a straw. Most patients tend to think that straws make the job easier. However, refrain from using one for the first two days.
The suction motion delays the formation of blood clots. Removing any blood clots from the affected gum area is critical. It could lead to the dry socket condition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is a critical dental procedure. Indulging in the above practices will cause you intense pain. However, following instructions from your dentist will help you avoid common mistakes.
Ensure to have a healthy diet since it’s critical to your healing process. Contact us today for quality dental aftercare services.