Can I Take a Shower After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Generally, you can take a shower after having your wisdom teeth removed, but you should be cautious when you first stand up. You might feel lightheaded, so take it slowly and stretch as you feel comfortable. Your oral surgeon will instruct you on general and oral hygiene after the procedure. Otherwise, you can shower as usual.

Taking A Shower After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Taking a shower after wisdom teeth removal is a normal part of recovery. Your oral surgeon will instruct you about oral hygiene after the surgery. While hot water is not recommended for the first week after the procedure, it is perfectly safe to take a shower. It will refresh your body and reduce the pain. Additionally, taking a shower will allow you to wear clean clothes and avoid spreading germs and bacteria.

After the surgery, you will be able to wash your hair and use an ointment on the incision site. You should also avoid excessive sun exposure for two weeks. Too much sun exposure can result in visible scarring. You should also avoid hard or acidic foods.

Avoiding Sucking

After the wisdom teeth removal, you must refrain from sucking on anything or chewing on anything. Keeping your mouth clean is vital to speedy healing. This starts the day after surgery. Brush your teeth regularly and use warm salt water to rinse your mouth. Continue this routine for about a week. Also, avoid vigorous exercise because it will increase your blood pressure and cause more bleeding.

When you shower, avoid sucking on a straw. This can disturb the clot and cause it to dislodge, which will delay healing. Another way to avoid displeasing the clot is to avoid sucking on hard objects. If you still want to drink liquids, use a spoon to drink milkshakes or smoothies. It is also best to avoid sucking on a straw for at least a week after wisdom teeth extraction.

Avoiding Smoking

Smoking is not healthy for the teeth and gums, and avoiding smoking after wisdom teeth removal is a good idea. While it is possible to smoke during the recovery period, it is best to stop as soon as possible. Smoking can delay healing and can increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, smoking can cause a dry socket, which can prolong recovery time.

Smoking increases the risk of dry sockets, a painful condition that can require additional dental visits. It can also cause nasty infections. Symptoms of an infection include high fever, gum inflammation, and a yellow discharge.

Avoiding Alcohol

It is best to avoid alcohol after wisdom teeth removal for up to 72 hours after the procedure. This period is important to ensure the wound heals properly. In addition, doctors recommend waiting for at least seven to ten days after the procedure to allow the body to recover. Although you may be tempted to have a drink or two to relieve your pain, alcohol can actually cause more harm than good. This is because alcohol can cause dizziness and can damage your liver. It can also slow down the healing process, making the wound more prone to infection.

In addition to alcohol’s detrimental effects, alcohol can also interact with pain medications, so it is best to stay away from alcohol for the first seven to ten days after the procedure. During this time, it is especially important to stay hydrated. You should also avoid strenuous physical activity for the next 24 hours. While resting, you should also remember to elevate your head to prevent any further swelling or discomfort.

Avoiding Hot Or Cold Foods

Following wisdom teeth removal, you will need to be extra careful about what you eat for the first few days after surgery. Hot and cold foods can cause a reaction in your mouth. It is best to avoid hot and cold foods for the first few days to avoid infection and pain. Fortunately, there are many foods that you can eat after surgery that are gentle on your mouth and can help you recover faster. Avocado is a great choice since it is rich in nutrients and easy to digest. Moreover, it can be mashed or whipped to make a full meal.

You should avoid drinking carbonated drinks and smoking while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction. These beverages can create suction in the mouth, which can delay the healing process. Additionally, avoid using straws. These devices can break the clot protecting the extraction site and can jar it loose.

Avoiding Rinsing Your Mouth

After the wisdom teeth removal, it is important to refrain from brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or even chewing tobacco. These activities can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of complications. In addition, you should not drive or make any important decisions until 24 hours after the procedure.

If your oral surgeon advises you to rinse your mouth, do so after a few days. This can help you heal faster and prevent infection and inflammation. Mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can irritate the extraction site. Saltwater rinses contain water and salt, which are natural ingredients found in the body.

Gauze Packs

Immediately after wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to take care of your mouth. For best results, avoid chewing or talking vigorously for 30 minutes after the surgery. After that, you can gently remove the gauze pack and chew soft foods. However, you should not chew in the area where the wisdom teeth were removed, as it may dislodge the blood clot. It may take up to 24 hours for your mouth to heal.

You should avoid drinking or using straws for the first 24 hours. You should also refrain from driving for 24 hours after the surgery. Your doctor will provide you with extra gauze packs after the procedure to help control bleeding. You should keep the packs moistened to prevent oozing. Instead of gauze, you can also use a moistened tea bag. The tea’s tannic acid will help form a clot.