After your wisdom teeth are removed, you may experience some bleeding, swelling, and pain. This is normal and will usually go away within a week or so. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection (via Medical News Today). Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can help with discomfort, as well as applying ice packs to your face for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few days, and gradually add solid foods back into your diet as you feel comfortable. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as they can delay healing. If you experience severe pain, bleeding that doesn’t stop, or any other signs of infection, be sure to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. With proper care, you should be feeling back to normal in no time.
What to know about wisdom teeth pain
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that erupt in the back of the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While they may not cause any problems, wisdom teeth can be problematic if they become impacted or grow in at an angle (via Mayo Clinic). This can lead to pain, crowding, and other dental issues.
If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain, there are a few things you can do to find relief. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation and pain. You can also try using a warm compress on the affected area. If the pain is severe, your dentist may recommend oral surgery to remove the wisdom teeth. Many people have their wisdom teeth removed preemptively to avoid this pain.
In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems and don’t need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth are coming in without any pain or other issues, you can just keep an eye on them with regular dental checkups. However, if you’re experiencing pain or other problems, it’s best to see a dentist to determine the best course of treatment.
