Many people think that after undergoing oral surgery, you are all done and you can simply go about your day. However, this is definitely not true, and we as the experienced staff at
Short Pump Dental will actually give you a list of several things that you must adhere to to ensure proper healing and comfort.
Rinse Gently
One of the first things that a short pump family dentist will tell you is to gently rinse your mouth after each meal or snack for the first few days after the surgery. The emphasis is on the word 'gently' as swishing the water through your mouth too vigorously can cause pain or bleeding and can even dislodge stitches if there are any present.
Only Soft Foods
For the next 48 hours, (or however long the Short Pump general dentist directs you to) you should avoid eating any foods that are hard or crunchy. Most medical professionals will advise you to consume only soft or mushy foods such as mashed potatoes or pasta or liquid-based foods such as soups. This ensures that undue stress is not placed upon your teeth or gums before they have a chance to fully heal.
Take Your Antibiotics
The dentist at Short Pump Dental will write you a prescription for oral antibiotics. It is absolutely crucial that you take them exactly as directed. Failure to do so can result in an infection forming in your mouth which can lead to severely adverse reactions.
Choose Vitamin-Rich Foods
It is best to avoid eating junk food after undergoing any kind of
oral surgery. The main reason for this is that they do not contain the necessary nutrition to assist in effective and timely healing. A Short Pump general dentist will tell you to eat plenty of fresh fruit because most of them are high in vitamin C, which is crucial to healing your body in a proper fashion.
Avoid Floss Temporarily
It isn't often that we encourage our patients to not floss, but after oral surgery is definitely one of those times. The abrasive action of the floss can irritate the gums and cause them to swell, hurt, and even bleed if the flossing is done too vigorously. It is much better to simply hold off on flossing until the Short Pump family dentist gives you the go-ahead to continue doing so.
Don't Use Antibacterial Mouthwash
While it may seem counterintuitive to not use mouthwash that has antibacterial properties, the reason behind this recommendation is a strong one. It is advised against doing so because this type of mouthwash typically contains high levels of alcohol, which can cause pain in your mouth the moment you take a swig of it. To avoid unnecessary levels of irritation, use mouthwash that does not contain alcohol.
Now that you know what NOT to do after oral surgery, it is time to
make an appointment with Short Pump Dental. If you have any questions, we will gladly answer them for you.