According to Dr. Gunita Singh, a dental and laser surgeon in Delhi (India), here are the things to avoid in the first 2 days after wisdom tooth extraction:
Strenuous exercise after tooth extraction: Immediately after tooth extraction, bleeding is normal. You should bite gently on a piece of gauze for about 30 minutes to stop the bleeding.
During the first 24 hours, there may be some oozing, but you should avoid spitting or strenuous exercise, as this can slow the bleeding process.
Oral hygiene immediately after tooth extraction: During the first 24 hours, absolutely do not rinse the extraction site. Then, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt/1 cup of warm water) 3 times/day for 1 week. This helps reduce the risk of infection and supports the recovery process.
Drinking alcohol: Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol for 24 hours after tooth extraction, as they can slow down the healing process.
Ignore the swelling after tooth extraction: Swelling around the extraction site is normal and can last for 2-3 days. However, you should apply ice to your face (extraction site) for 15 minutes at a time on the first day and do it alternately for 8 hours. On the second day, apply warm compresses.
Smoking: Smoking slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infection, so you should avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction.
Ignore the fever: A mild fever in the first 24-48 hours after tooth extraction is usually nothing to worry about. However, if the fever persists or worsens, contact your dentist immediately for advice.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure but requires careful care during recovery.
