Getting your wisdom teeth removed can help prevent complications like tooth decay, crowding, and impaction. But this procedure, which removes the third molars that usually come in around ages 17 to 21, does carry some risks of its own.

“It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions while you recover from wisdom teeth removal. You can brush your teeth after the surgery, but do it slowly. The area of the extraction needs to be completely healed before brushing it.”

You will need a liquid and soft food diet for a couple of days to keep the area free ofbacteria and you will need an antiseptic to keep the area free ofbacteria.

Some wisdom teeth need to be removed, but not all. The oral surgeon and dentist will have the best care recommendations for you.

After wisdom teeth removal, we should brush our teeth.

It is important that you take care of the area after the surgery, as the instructions from the professional are important.

You need to avoid strenuous activity. If you smoke, you need to plan to avoid it while your surgery is going on.

Smoking can affect your teeth.

You will need to rest and recover for the rest of the day after your procedure. If possible, you should take off work or school and schedule your surgery on a free day.

You can not operate a vehicle after you receive general anesthesia, so someone will have to drive you home.

You need to stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours after surgery. This prevents you from having to use your teeth to chew harder foods.

You need to avoid drinking through a straw for the first couple of days. The use of a straw could cause strain on your mouth.

If swelling is not comfortable, apply a compress to your jaw. Use pain killers as needed, and rest as much as you can.

Some doctors will recommend over-the-counter options, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while other doctors may prescribe pain medication. Avoid aspirin, as this can increase the risk of bleeding.

“You can brush and floss your teeth, but don’t put any plaque in the back of your mouth, because you don’t want to introduce anybacteria to your wound.”

If you have to miss a day or two of brushing because of pain or discomfort, that is fine. You will be given an antiseptic mouthwash by your dentist or oral surgeon to use as a way of cleaning the area.

“It is not unusual to leave your wisdom teeth intact. People don’t have to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people who can’t afford dental care keep their wisdom teeth even if they can’t afford a dentist.”

If you’re considering having your wisdom teeth extracted, or if your dentist brings it up, it may be because of:

  • Your wisdom teeth are causing pain.
  • your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck under the gum)
  • Wisdom teeth can interfere with dental treatments.
  • your wisdom teeth are pushing your other teeth forward, leading to crowding

A physical exam and X-ray can show your doctor how many wisdom teeth you have and how they are positioned in your jaw.

Most people have some pain or discomfort in the initial day or two after wisdom tooth extraction. This pain shouldn’t last long, and over-the-counter or prescription painkillers can help.

If the initial pain from the procedure does not go away, you may be dealing with an infection. Other signs of infections can include:

  • discharge at the site
  • Increased swelling.
  • There is pain, soreness or tenderness.
  • bad breath

Nerve damage and damage to surrounding teeth can be a result of wisdom tooth removal. This can cause a temporary loss of sensation in your face or tongue.

Dry socket, a condition where a tooth extraction does not heal properly, can leave your nerves and blood vessels exposed. Dry socket can cause pain that radiates through your jaw and up to your temples. Dry socket usually lasts for about a week unless an infection develops.

Wisdom teeth can also get infected before removal due to being impacted or having a cavity, among other reasons. It’s important you consult a dentist in case of any tooth pain or signs of infection.

Dentists recommend that you clean your teeth using proper brushing techniques:

  • Twice a day, brush for 2 minutes.
  • Use toothpaste that is fluoride.
  • brush in small strokes
  • You should brush your tongue as well.
  • After spitting, rinse your mouth.

“If you have recently had wisdom teeth removed, you should replace your toothbrush and brush head. After surgery, toothbrushes can accumulate harmful germs, which will be dangerous. You don’t want to introduce anybacteria to the area while it’s healing.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you replace your brush every 3 to 4 months, as well as after any bacterial or viral illness.

You can brush your teeth after a wisdom tooth removal, but not the area of the tooth that was removed.

You need to be extra careful not to introducebacteria to the area of the surgery. Changing your toothbrush, avoiding hard foods, skipping flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash are all things that need to be done.

If you notice any signs of an infection after a wisdom tooth removal, you should immediately contact your doctor.