20 Nov The Dangers of Straws When Oral Surgery Is Healing
Oral surgery is rather common, where the removal of the wisdom teeth tends to be the most popular form of surgery. Whether it is a tooth extraction, dental implant or gum treatment, oral surgery does not have to be burdensome.
If you follow simple tips and doctors’ orders, then there is no reason why you cannot be back on your feet in no time following an oral surgery.
CARING FOR YOUR MOUTH FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY
After your procedure is complete, your doctor will give you a list of instructions to follow to help promote a faster recovery. You should take care to follow each and every one of his instructions to the best of your ability.
Here are a few of the most important things to remember immediately following oral surgery:
- Stick to a soft diet for at least two days.
- Do not eat crunchy foods or foods or beverages that are too hot or too cold.
- Keep your mouth clean by rinsing with warm salt water at least four times a day, for a week following the procedure.
- Ice the area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off to reduce swelling, for the first two days following the procedure.
- Do not drink through a straw for at least 24 hours, if not more.
WHY STRAWS ARE BAD NEWS FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY
You should take to not drink beverages through a straw for at least 24 hours following an oral surgery. The act of sucking and the force by which the beverage will enter the mouth can cause the clot on the wound to dislodge, which can lead to a dry socket.
When the clot that covers the wound dislodges it leaves the sensitive bone and nerves of the area exposed. This leads to extreme pain, discomfort and in many cases infection. To avoid dry socket, it is imperative that you follow doctors’ orders to not drink through a straw for at least 24 hours following an oral surgery procedure.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your oral health after a surgery.