Things to Avoid After Oral Surgery
Once you are done with oral surgery, it is important to ensure good aftercare in order to recover quickly. Discuss the details of the procedure with your dentist and make sure you adhere to proper aftercare instructions.
If you recently got a tooth extracted, had a dental implant, or going through a root canal surgery, make sure you avoid these:
Exerting Yourself
Avoid strenuous physical activity after oral surgery. It is recommended to avoid exercise at least 2-3 days following the surgery. Blood flow can dislocate the blood clots that enable your mouth to heal. Make sure you rest properly at home and use pillows to prop up your head when you lie down.
Eating Hot Foods and Drinks
Steer clear of hot edibles and drinks until the effects of local anesthesia fade away. When your mouth is numb, your brain does not register pain and you can inadvertently burn your mouth. Eat food after it has cooled down. Moreover, keep applying ice packs to your face for 15 minutes after 15 minutes-intervals.
Eating Hard and Crunchy Foods
Avoid eating hard foods for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery. Make sure you do not bite on food like carrots or popcorns, especially in the area where the surgery has been performed. Switch to soft food or liquid diet for the initial days following surgery. Choose items such as yogurt, soup, smoothies, milkshakes, and mashed potatoes.
Smoking or Drinking Alcohol
Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol can interrupt the healing process. It may dislodge blood clots, resulting in pain in the tooth socket. Smoking also decreases the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which would, in turn, reduce blood flow to heal the site of the surgery.
After your oral surgery, make sure you consume soft foods rich in vitamin A and C. If you have a toothache or are looking for surgery aftercare advice, schedule an appointment with us at the Oral and Facial Surgery Center by calling us at 337-443-2533 for our Lafayette location or 337-381-3663 for our Opelousas location today.