Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure that many individuals undergo.
It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. One question often arises after wisdom teeth extraction is when can I spit?
In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide you with valuable insights regarding spitting after wisdom teeth removal.
When can I spit after wisdom teeth removal?
After removing your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
The general recommendation is to avoid spitting for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Spitting forcefully or frequently can dislodge the blood clots that form in the empty tooth sockets, leading to a condition called dry socket.
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 1/ First 24 hours | Avoid spitting |
| Avoid using straws | |
| Avoid smoking | |
| Avoid vigorous rinsing | |
| 2/ After 24 hours | you can start spitting |
| gently if necessary | |
| 3/ Follow-up | Follow dentist’s |
| instructions |
A dry socket can be painful and delay the healing process. Therefore, it’s crucial to be gentle with your mouth and avoid spitting, using straws, smoking, or rinsing vigorously for the first day or as your dental professional advises.
Instead, you should follow a soft diet, stay hydrated, and maintain good oral hygiene gently.
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After 24 hours, you can gradually resume normal activities as you feel comfortable, but follow any specific guidelines provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
What happens if I spit after an extraction?
Spitting forcefully or excessively after a tooth extraction, especially within the first 24 hours, can lead to a condition called dry socket (alveolar osteitis).
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the empty tooth socket becomes dislodged or doesn’t properly develop.
This can expose the underlying bone and nerves, leading to intense pain and delayed healing. Here’s why you should avoid spitting after an extraction:
Dislodging the blood clot
The blood clot that forms in the extraction site is a crucial part of the healing process. It helps protect the underlying bone and nerves, promotes tissue repair, and reduces the risk of infection.
Spitting forcefully can disturb this clot and hinder the healing process.
Dry socket
If the blood clot is dislodged or doesn’t form properly, the socket remains exposed, leading to a condition known as a dry socket.
A dry socket is characterized by severe pain and discomfort, which may radiate to the ear and neck, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Increased risk of infection
Dislodging the blood clot can expose the healing wound to bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of infection at the extraction site.
To minimize the risk of dry sockets and promote proper healing, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions, which typically include the following:
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Avoiding spitting for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Refraining from using straws, smoking, or engaging in any activities that create suction
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How Soon Can I Spit?
After 24 hours after the wisdom teeth removal, you can start considering spitting carefully.
The initial healing process should have begun at this point, and the risk of disturbing blood clots decreases. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and avoid forceful spitting.
Gentle and controlled spitting can be attempted, but if you experience discomfort or see active bleeding, it’s best to stop and wait a little longer.
Tips for Safe Spitting
When you decide to start spitting after wisdom teeth removal, keep these essential tips in mind:
1. Rinse Your Mouth Gently
Before attempting to spit, rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution provided by your dentist. This can help keep the area clean and promote healing.
2. Use Gravity
Instead of forcefully spitting, let Gravity assist you. Lean over a sink and let the saliva flow out of your mouth naturally. This method minimizes pressure and reduces the risk of complications.
3. Avoid Using Straws
Using straws can create suction in your mouth, which may dislodge blood clots and lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket. It’s best to avoid straws during the entire healing period.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but take small sips to avoid the need for extensive spitting. Hydration is essential for the healing process.
5. Be Patient
Recovery takes time, and you may need to adapt your routine temporarily. Be patient with yourself and prioritize your oral health during this healing phase.
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Is it normal to have a lot of saliva after tooth extraction?
Yes, it is normal to experience increased saliva production after a tooth extraction, including wisdom teeth removal.
The extraction process itself, as well as the healing phase, can lead to a temporary overproduction of saliva. Several reasons contribute to this:
Natural response: Saliva is your body’s natural way of protecting and healing the oral tissues. After tooth extraction, the body may produce more saliva to help keep the area clean and promote healing.
Irritation and healing: The extraction site is a wound, and your body responds to it as it would to any injury. Increased saliva flow may occur as part of the body’s healing mechanisms.
Presence of blood: After the extraction, there might be slight bleeding, and the combination of saliva and blood can create a feeling of excessive saliva in your mouth.
Nervousness or anxiety: Some people may experience heightened salivation due to fear or concern related to the dental procedure.
This increased saliva production is usually temporary and should subside as the healing progresses.
However, if you notice any other concerning symptoms, such as severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, it’s essential to contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.
FAQs
Is It Normal to Have Some Bleeding When Spitting After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some minimal bleeding or oozing may be expected in the first 24 hours after the extraction. However, if you notice excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately.
Can I Use Mouthwash for Freshening My Breath After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Using mouthwash is generally not recommended during the initial healing period. Stick to gentle saltwater rinses provided by your dentist until you get the green light for mouthwash.
Is Dry Socket Related to Spitting?
Yes, a dry socket can result from excessive spitting or other activities that disturb the blood clot in the extraction site. It is a painful condition that requires immediate dental attention.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, knowing when and how to spit after wisdom teeth removal is vital for a successful recovery. Refrain from spitting for the first 24 hours, and be cautious when you start spitting after that. Follow the expert tips in this article to ensure a smooth healing process and avoid potential complications like dry sockets.