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Post wisdom tooth extraction recovery hacks

Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few post-surgical hacks you can try to get your mouth back to normal as soon as possible.

Elevate your head

Just as you elevate a sprained ankle to minimize swelling, you can do the same with your head following wisdom tooth extraction. Instead of lying down flat, prop up your back and head with pillows to keep your head above your heart.

Ice it

Icing your cheek and jaw surrounding the extraction site will numb the area while also reducing swelling and bruising. Apply ice packs in twenty minute rotations. Twenty minutes on. Twenty minutes rest. Icing is most effective for the first 48-72 hours.

Rinse with saltwater

Gently rinse several times with warm salt water as instructed by your oral surgeon. Salt water rinses remove bacteria from the surgical site than can cause infection or slow the healing process. A good rule of thumb is to rinse after every meal plus in the morning and before bed. A clean mouth is a mouth that heals. A teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water is a good measure.

Open your mouth

The sooner you start to relieve postop stiffness the better. Don’t push yourself but do slowly try to open your mouth and jaw to loosen up the joint.

Follow all eating instructions

Eating the wrong foods too soon can slow down the healing process. Start off with liquids and then slowly graduate to soft foods when you feel you’re ready. Wait for a few days before moving on to more solid foods and avoid spicy foods. Don’t be impatient. Following guidelines now means you’ll be ready to eat all your favorite foods again much sooner.