Teeth extraction is the only permanent remedy for impacted wisdom teeth, and this invasive surgical procedure involves opening up your gums and removing problematic teeth. Recovering from a wisdom teeth extraction requires lifestyle adjustments. So, make sure to avoid the following things while recovering.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and last four molars to erupt in your mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. But due to a lack of space, they usually erupt at the wrong angles or remain trapped underneath the gum. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth.

Although not every wisdom tooth gets obstructed, the problem of impacted wisdom teeth is a significant concern for oral specialists. When your wisdom teeth become impacted, they’ll grow at angles toward the neighboring teeth or toward the back of your mouth, grow at the right angles to the adjacent teeth, as if lying down within your jawbone or get trapped within the jawbone.

Impacted wisdom teeth are characterized by pain in your jaw, open gums at the back of your mouth, decayed wisdom teeth, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) around the affected wisdom teeth, infections or gum diseases, and trapped food particles and debris behind your wisdom teeth.

Things to Avoid When Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your dentist will advise you on how to recover from wisdom tooth extraction, and they will also let you know the habits and things to avoid during recovery. Here are the things to avoid when recovering from wisdom tooth extraction.

Avoid Sucking on Straws, Spitting, or Smoking

Sucking on straws, smoking, and spitting can easily dislodge the blood clot on the extraction site, exposing the wound to germs and excessive bleeding. When the clot is dislodged, you’re left with a dry socket that causes pain and is susceptible to infections.

Avoid Hard, Chewy, and Crunchy Foods

Stay away from hard, chewy, and crunchy foods like chips, popcorns, apples, pretzels, chewing gums, etc., for at least one week. These foods can easily dislodge the blood clot on the surgical site or prick the wound, leading to excessive bleeding.

Don’t Rinse Your Mouth Vigorously.

When brushing your teeth, don’t rinse your mouth vigorously to avoid dislodging the blood clot. Also, rinse your mouth with salt water to disinfect the wounds.