Ouch! You accidentally drank from a straw after getting your wisdom teeth removed? We know you are panicking, but do not worry – we are here to help. In this blog post, let’s see why it’s dangerous to drink through a straw immediately following a wisdom teeth removal and what to do if you have already done it, along with complications like dry socket and its treatment.
Why Is It Hazardous to Drink Via Straw Immediately Following Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After the wisdom teeth removal, your oral cavity needs some time to heal properly. The initial 24-48 hours after the procedure are crucially important; this is when the blood clot starts forming in the socket where your tooth used to be.
This entire blood clot formation process is essential for the healing process. The scab protects the exposed bone and nerve endings in the socket.
Drinking through a straw creates negative pressure in your mouth that dislodges the blood clot from its socket, resulting in a condition known as “dry socket.” It is painful because the bone and nerve endings in the socket are exposed to air, food, and drink, making them ache.
You Drank Through a Straw, What To Do Next?
First things first – don’t panic. It isn’t a good sign, but not the end of the world, if you accidentally drank through a straw after getting your wisdom teeth removed.
However, you must take some steps to minimize the risk of developing a dry socket.
- Stop using straws and steer clear of smoking. This is obvious but important to emphasize so that you remember to avoid these two things for at least the first week after your surgery.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water. Mix a teaspoonful of salt into a cup of warm water to make a solution. Now, gently rinse your mouth with it; swish, swirl, and spit. This helps clean out any form of food particles that might be stuck in the socket.
- Apply a cold compress. A bag of frozen peas or a washcloth dipped in ice water reduces swelling and numbs the pain.
- Take painkillers as directed by your dental care expert. Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe painkillers to manage your pain. Take them as directed, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Symptoms of Dry Socket
If you have developed a dry socket, you will know it. Some symptoms include:
- Severe pain radiating from your dry socket to your eyes, ears, or neck.
- Bad breath
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Visible bone peeking through the socket
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Dry Socket Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Here are a few possible routes:
Pain management: Ask your dentist or oral surgeon for strong painkillers.
Medications: Your dentist may also recommend medications to target reducing inflammation and promoting healing specifically.
Dressing changes: Get the dressing changed of the socket periodically to promote healing.
Flushing: Flushing the dry socket with a saline solution removes debris and promotes healing for faster recovery.
Closing Note
Ensure that you adhere to aftercare instructions given to you for fast recovery post wisdom teeth removal. Get in touch with your oral care expert from Pearlshine Dental to learn more about post-op healing. Dial (281) 477-7200 to connect with us right away!