Wisdom Tooth: Reduce Swelling After Extraction
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 16 and 29. The decision to remove the wisdom tooth rests with the dentist.
In general, the extraction occurs due to lack of space inside the oral cavity.
Sometimes, in fact, in order to get out, the wisdom tooth pushes the molar and the other teeth. This can cause pain, gum swelling and even damage the nerves. In these cases, it is necessary to remove it with surgery, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
However, one must be very careful about using do-it-yourself medications, as the slightest mistake can cause dangerous results, such as an infection.
Inflammation is a natural reaction of the body that occurs when tissues have been injured. After extraction, it is normal to have swelling around the mouth and cheeks, but also under the eyes, near the cheekbones. Swelling usually appears between 5 and 12 hours after surgery and can last up to 3 to 4 days.
With a little patience, the swelling can be treated to reduce pain and discomfort.
Remember to always follow your dentist’s recommendations to the letter. At the same time, you can try the following remedies.
Apply ice or a cold pack after wisdom tooth extraction
This technique is effective during the first 24 hours after surgery. In addition, cryotherapy works as a powerful pain reliever, as this study by the University of the Americas (Chile) states. If desired, you can also use it before the swelling appears.
- Wrap 10 ice cubes in a towel. You can also freeze a container with water or a healing compress. The important thing is that it is cold.
- Gently approach it to the affected area and on the face.
- To avoid skin reactions, apply the pack in 15-minute turns, with 5-minute breaks.
- Repeat after a couple of hours.
Application of hot compresses
The heat helps to relax the muscles, but be careful not to apply excessive heat to the skin. This study conducted by the Giessen University states that, as with cold, swelling locally decreases in contact with heat.
This technique is effective 24 hours after extraction.
- Choose a heat source. This can be a container filled with lukewarm (medium temperature) water.
- Or, you can use a towel previously heated with an iron. Another option is to heat some water and soak a cloth in it.
- Check the temperature with your hand first. Remember that the goal is to warm the inflamed area outside, without burning or damaging it.
- Apply without applying pressure to the cheeks and swollen area.
- Keep the compress for 20 minutes.
- Remove the compress and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
- Repeat for several cycles for about 2 days.
Raise the head above the body
Gravity can work in your favor. By keeping the head raised above the body, the excess fluid causing the swelling will return to the bloodstream and the gums will deflate. This is confirmed by a study carried out by the University of Seville and the Complutense of Madrid.
- It is recommended that you sleep in a semi-sitting position for the first 2 to 3 days.
- Place pillows under your head, finding a comfortable position and relaxing the rest of your body.
- Remember to never sleep on the side of the wound. This way you will avoid more severe inflammation.
It is important that you rest at least 10 hours a day for the next 48 hours after surgery.
Chamomile sachets, to relieve pain after wisdom tooth extraction
Chamomile is one of the most used herbs to treat inflammation or itching. according to this study carried out by the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey. It needs to be done a couple of days after the operation.
It also helps stop bleeding that can occur after the wisdom tooth is removed.
- Heat some chamomile tea bags in hot water.
- After they have cooled down a bit, but have not completely lost the heat, place one inside your mouth and bite it gently so that it releases the liquid.
- Do this for about 15 minutes and then let the area sit for at least half an hour before repeating.
Remember, never apply the sachet directly to the wound. Likewise, you can ingest some chamomile tea, both hot and cold.
Wisdom tooth: further advice
- For the first 24 hours, do not use the mouthwash. Then, when the wound has stopped bleeding, you can use it again as a d0abitutdine.
- Avoid eating solid foods. Maintain a light diet to avoid exacerbating inflammation.
- Also, you should avoid using straws to drink drinks, as you may experience discomfort when sucking the drink.
- Consume foods at room temperature for the first 24 hours after extraction.
- As for medications, follow your doctor’s instructions, and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
- Try to get enough rest. It is important that you take a few days off from work, school or housework.
- Rest will ensure stable blood pressure which will allow the gums to heal faster.
Wisdom tooth, final considerations
In addition to practicing the above tips, it is important to rest properly in order to heal. Otherwise it will take you longer to recover. In addition, good oral hygiene must be maintained to avoid infections and complications.
