How To Keep the Mouth Healthy Following an Oral Surgery
Posted on 5/24/2021 by Cole Anderson, DMD, MS |
 Oral surgery is a common solution when treating injuries, diseases, and defects affecting your gums, teeth, and jaws. The procedure could require one or two appointments, after which you should take time to recover. During recovery, we expect you to maximize rest for speedy recovery; hence, the need for prior preparation. After the procedure, you will need to keep your mouth healthy to hasten recovery by watching your diet, sticking to the prescription, and practicing good oral hygiene.
Watch Your Diet
Given that oral surgery involves your mouth, what you eat will greatly impact your recovery. Immediately after the procedure, you may not be able to eat until after a few hours. You can then start by eating soft foods since hard foods may irritate the wound, cause bleeding, and delay healing. Also, you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids. While doing this, avoid using straws, as they can disturb the clot and cause bleeding. You should also avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks for the first 24 hours, alcohol and smoking for at least one week, as these substances increase your risk of post-surgery complications.
Stick To the Prescription
After oral surgery, you will likely have some swelling and discomfort. This is normal and will fade after a few days. During the first 48 hours, you can use a cold compress to manage the swelling and discomfort while taking your prescription drugs. You should also finish your antibiotics to prevent reinfection, and, in case of pain, you can take over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or the ones we will prescribe.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
After surgery, we will advise you to keep your mouth clean by gargling with salted water after meals. Thereafter, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush your teeth while exercising care around the surgery area. Adherence to the above precautions will increase your recovery speed, enabling you to resume your normal schedule faster. In case you notice any abnormal symptoms during recovery, contact us immediately for attention. For more details on oral surgery, contact our office today.
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