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When warm summer afternoon heat rolls into The Junction, stopping for an iced coffee, fruit smoothie, or frozen slushie is the ultimate way to stay cool. If you recently had your wisdom teeth extracted, cold drinks sound like heaven for soothing sore gums! However, the way you consume and clean up after these summer drinks can make or break your recovery.
In this post, we highlight the vital connection between summer iced treats, brushing habits, and the golden rule of post-op care: no suction and no spitting!
Enjoy Summer Drinks without Straws
Whether you are sipping an iced latte or a thick fruit smoothie, do not use a straw. Sucking on a straw creates a strong vacuum force inside your mouth. The pressure can pop your healing blood clot right out of its socket, leading to a very painful condition called dry socket. Always drink your cold summer beverages straight from an open cup or use a spoon for thick smoothies.
Ditch the “Spit” After Brushing
After enjoying a sweet, icy drink, you’ll naturally want to brush your teeth to get rid of the sugary coating. But when you finish brushing, do not spit hard into the bathroom sink. Just like using a straw, forceful spitting uses cheek muscle contractions that pull on fresh surgical sites. Instead, lean over the sink, open your mouth wide, and let the toothpaste foam and water simply fall out using gravity.
Managing Cold Sensitivity While Brushing
Your gums and neighboring teeth will be extra sensitive to temperatures for a few days after surgery. Washing your mouth or wetting your toothbrush with ice-cold tap water can trigger the sensitivity. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water on your brush and for your rinses to keep your healing tissues comfortable.
Keep Your Summer Recovery Smooth and Pain-Free After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Enjoying cold treats is a great perk of summer recovery, as long as you follow a few basic rules. Skip the straws, let toothpaste drain naturally without spitting, and use lukewarm water to rinse or brush.
Summer is a great time to get wisdom teeth out and recover before a packed fall schedule starts up. Schedule a consultation with Smile Garden Dental for wisdom tooth extraction in The Junction, Toronto today.
