Seven Things You Can Do To Recover From Dental Surgery

Since the invention of Novocain and anesthesia, dental surgeries like wisdom teeth extraction are nearly pain free. However, the recovery can take awhile and you may experience some pain. Here are some things you can do to heal faster.

1. Use essential oils. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. You can:

  • carefully swish with clove oil (it will give a gentle numbing feeling, as well as kill some germs)
  • rub some lavender, peppermint, wintergreen, and clove on your jaw to lessen swelling 
  • place a drop of wintergreen on the tooth area 
  • take capsules of oregano, lemon, and melaleuca to kill bacteria 
  • put some lavender and peppermint on a cool washcloth and place them on your jaw 

2. Gargle with salt water. Salt removes swelling and disinfects the area. Wait for 24 hours and then start swishing every four hours. You should also rinse after every meal and snack to remove any tidbits of food that may be stuck. 

3. Eat a balanced diet. Eat foods that have plenty of vitamins A and C. These will both help you heal faster. Some foods that contain high levels of A and C are:

  • Oranges 
  • Kiwis
  • Spinach
  • Berries 
  • Papayas
  • Bell peppers
  • Kale 
  • Pineapple 
  • Carrots 
  • Sweet Potatoes 

4. Bite on a tea bag. If you continue to bleed, bite on a peppermint tea bag for sixty seconds. The tannic acid will help your blood vessels clot. 

5. Eat soft foods. Smoothies are a great way to get nutrients and vitamins in your system. Wait 24 hours before sucking with a straw, though, to make sure that you don't get dry sockets. Here is a great smoothie to make while you are healing. 

Quick Healing Smoothie

2 carrots

1 cup spinach

1/4 cup pineapple

1/2 an orange, peeled

3 oz of sweet potato baby food 

1 banana

1 cup ice

Toss the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth (at least thirty seconds). 

6. Drink plenty of water. Since you won't be eating as much, you need to make sure that you get lots of water. You may have lost some blood during surgery, as well, which needs to be replaced. 

7. Be careful with exercise. This is one of the few times in your life you should not exercise vigorously. The swelling, change in diet, and blood loss may make you dizzy and woozy. Rest for a few days, then work your way back up to your normal exercise routine. 

The next time you have dental surgery, follow these tips and take care of yourself. You will heal faster and be back to your normal self in no time. Remember to follow your dental surgeon's instructions carefully as well.

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