The Must-Know Guide to Caring for Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Getting your wisdom teeth removed isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun—but looking after your mouth properly afterwards can make the whole recovery a lot smoother. Whether you’ve just booked your wisdom tooth extraction or you’re fresh out of the dentist’s chair, a bit of smart aftercare helps reduce pain, swelling, and the chances of any annoying complications.
Below is your easy, no-nonsense guide to healing well after wisdom teeth removal.
1. The First 24 Hours: Start Strong
The first day is all about protecting the extraction site and letting your body do its thing.
- Bite down on the gauze to help form a blood clot. Don’t keep checking it every few minutes—leave it alone unless your dentist says otherwise.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as the pressure can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
- Ice packs are your best mate for swelling. Apply for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.
- Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw!), and soups.
Think of this phase as “taking it easy”—your mouth will thank you later.
2. Manage Pain and Swelling Like a Pro
Some discomfort is totally normal after a wisdom tooth extraction, but you can keep it under control.
- Take your dentist-recommended pain relief and anti-inflammatories on schedule.
- Swelling peaks around the second day—don’t panic, that’s part of healing.
- Keep resting with your head elevated, even when you sleep. A couple of extra pillows can make a world of difference.
Don’t be the hero who suffers in silence—use the meds, follow the plan.
3. Eating and Drinking: What’s Safe (and What’s Not)
Food can be tricky for a few days, but it doesn’t mean you have to starve.
Safe foods in the first few days:
- Smoothies (again, no straw!)
- Mashed pumpkin or potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice-cream or yoghurt
- Soft noodles or pasta
Foods to avoid:
- Anything crunchy like chips, nuts, and biscuits
- Spicy foods that can irritate the gums
- Very hot drinks
- Alcohol (sorry—give it a couple of days)
As you heal, slowly return to your normal diet, but listen to your mouth. If it hurts, don’t push it.
4. Keep Your Mouth Clean (Without Overdoing It)
Good oral hygiene is essential after wisdom teeth removal, but it needs to be done gently.
- After 24 hours, start rinsing with warm salt water—about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Rinse gently, especially after eating.
- Keep brushing your teeth, but avoid the extraction area for a couple of days.
Think “clean but gentle”—this isn’t the time for aggressive brushing.
5. Watch for Signs Something’s Not Right
Most people heal without any issues, but it’s important to know when to get help.
Contact your dentist if you notice:
- Persistent or increasing pain after day three
- A foul smell or taste coming from the site
- Fever or signs of infection
- Bleeding that won’t slow down
- Pain radiating to your ear or jaw (could be dry socket)
When in doubt, always check with your dentist—it’s better to be safe.
