If you have wisdom teeth removal scheduled, knowing what to do after the procedure will help ensure a smooth recovery. Since you may be feeling groggy and overwhelmed when the appointment is over, use this guide to learn what to do before and after the removal.

Do:

Rest.

Focus on recovering after wisdom teeth removal. To make the most of this time, take off from work for the remainder of the day, prepare your meals in advance, and finish essential errands before the procedure. Avoid physical activity, like working out and walking your dog, as the stimulation may open the wound.

Eat soft foods.

Hard foods will put undue pressure on your healing mouth, potentially causing additional discomfort and bleeding. Instead, opt for softer meals, like pureed fruit and oatmeal. Try to enjoy lukewarm dishes, as extreme temperatures will irritate the wound. Avoid skipping meals after the procedure to keep your body healthy and strong throughout the recovery.

Don’t:

Touch the wound.

The swelling and discomfort may make you want to touch the incision site with your finger or tongue; however, this temptation introduces bacteria to the area and increases the risk of infection. To address the inflammation, apply a cold pack to the outside of the jaw. Prevent the temperature from harming the skin by wrapping the compress in a towel and only applying it for 20 minutes.

Neglect oral hygiene.

Although your mouth may be tender, continue with your regular routine of brushing. Keeping the mouth clean will prevent bacteria from infecting the incision site. Gently brush the other teeth, but avoid the healing area because you may aggravate it. Salt has anti-inflammatory properties, so use a saltwater rinse two to three times a day, starting 24 hours after the procedure.

If you want professional guidance to ensure a healthy recovery, turn to Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK. Dr. Penfield and his team strive to lift the spirits of others by enhancing their lives with caring dental services in a spa-like environment. After the wisdom teeth removal, they’ll perform a follow-up exam to ensure the site is free of infection and healing properly. For more information about their services, visit them online or call (907) 622-7874.