Most people get their wisdom teeth at the age of 15 to 25 or sometimes even in their early 30s. These teeth develop at the extreme ends of your jaw. Some of you may feel a lot of pain when these wisdom teeth start to grow. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to extract wisdom teeth to prevent or reduce the impact of crowding, pain, infection, and swelling.
Getting your wisdom tooth extracted is not enjoyable. It is important to take care of your mouth after extraction as it promotes proper healing and avoids the risk of infections.
If you love drinking soda, you might be asking yourself When can I drink soda after wisdom tooth extraction? Read further to know when to drink soda after extracting wisdom teeth.
Why Proper Healing Is Necessary?
After a wisdom tooth is extracted, your mouth needs time to heal completely. The first step involved in the healing process is the clotting of blood at the place of the extracted tooth. It protects the jaw and nerve endings, thereby reducing the infection and helping in the regeneration of tissues. If this blood clotting is disturbed, it can lead to a dry socket, a painful condition where bones and nerves are exposed. This eventually delays the healing process.
What Are The Potential Risks Of Drinking Soda After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After the removal of a wisdom tooth, your mouth will become sensitive and will be in a healing stage. The proper care has to be taken during the initial days of wisdom teeth extraction. This is because your body tries to heal the infected area during that time and a blood clot will form in the socket to protect nerves and jaw bones.
If you drink soda at this time, it may lead to various issues that affect the healing process.
-
Dry Socket Risk:
One of the main problems after extracting wisdom teeth is dry sockets. This happens due to dislodging or dissolving of the blood clot. Soda is a carbonated and acidic drink, consuming it would lead to dislodging and cause a painful condition. It also creates pressure in your mouth disturbing the healing of a clot.
-
Acidity And Irritation:
Soda including cola or citrus-flavoured sodas have high-contents of acidity and sugar. While acidity causes irritation to the sensitive gum tissue around the extraction area and also inflammation and discomfort, sugar results in increased bacterial growth and leads to infection if the extraction site is not cured properly.
-
Dehydration:
Soda can cause dehydration as it is not a hydrating drink. It is necessary to keep your mouth well-hydrated after any surgery, including wisdom teeth extraction. Dehydration lowers the healing process and causes discomfort.
When To Drink Soda After Extracting Wisdom Tooth?
Timing plays an important role when it comes to recovering oral health. “When can I drink soda after wisdom tooth extraction?” this question might be popping up in your mind. Dentists usually recommend avoiding soda or any other carbonated drinks for at least 3 to 5 days after the extraction.
During this time, your body focuses mainly on producing a blood clot and any disturbance caused will prolong the healing process. Once you have gone through this phase, it is better to wait until your mouth is completely cured before drinking soda.
However, if you need to have a soda within a few days, then consider the following tips.
-
Select A Non-carbonated Drink:
Though you have crossed the first 3 to 5 days, just choose plain drinks rather than opting for carbonated soda drinks. This will minimize the pressure in your mouth and doesn’t disturb the healing process.
-
Rinse Your Mouth Thoroughly Afterwards:
If you drink soda within your initial recovery phase, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftovers of sugar or acid that could damage your extraction area.
-
Drink Through A Cup, Not A Straw:
If you want to drink soda, you need to avoid sipping it from a straw as it can affect blood clotting and result in a dry socket. Instead, drink it through a cup until it heals completely.
Tips for Speedy Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction:
Apart from avoiding soda, you need to follow some essential tips that help you recover quickly after a wisdom tooth extraction.
-
Follow Instructions From Your Dentist:
Follow the guidelines provided by your dentist. It includes prescribed medicines, post-surgery care, and oral hygiene methods.
-
Stay Hydrated With Water:
Water helps in better recovery. It keeps the extracted place clean and helps in improving the healing process.
-
Eat Soft Foods:
Eat soft, non-irritating foods during the first few days. Use yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. It will reduce the pressure on the extraction site.
-
Avoid Smoking And Alcohol:
Smoking and drinking alcohol will disturb the healing process and cause issues such as dry sockets.
-
Manage Swelling And Pain:
You can use ice packs or take pain medicines to manage discomfort. Swelling might increase within 48 hours of extracting a wisdom tooth. So follow a routine for pain relief to manage things.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a soda lover and can’t live without it, you might be searching for when I can drink soda after wisdom tooth extraction. Though it feels tempting to go for a soda to quench your thirst, it is better to avoid it for at least 3 to 5 days after wisdom teeth extraction.
Soda contains carbonates and acid that would affect the healing process and increase the problems including dry socket or infection.
During the initial healing stage, it is better to follow prescriptions, take precautions, avoid straws, and keep yoyur mouth hydrated with water.
Maintain proper hygiene and follow the particular tips to avoid the problems of drinking soda after wisdom teeth extraction.