Can You Drink Soda After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Yes, those pesky wisdom teeth. Third teeth come in when we are in our late teens or early twenties, and they often don't have much room. Getting your wisdom teeth taken out is a joint surgery. While the thought of swollen cheeks and ice packs may make you feel bad, proper post-operative care can improve your healing. "Can I have soda?" is a question many ask after surgery. Like many other things, the answer is more challenging than yes or no.

The Importance of Post-Operative Care

After getting your wisdom teeth taken out, your mouth starts to heal. At the site of the extraction, a blood clot forms, which is very important for stopping the bleeding and helping the tissue grow back. Taking good care of your mouth is essential to avoid getting hurt and avoid problems. This means sticking to a soft diet, brushing and flossing your teeth (gently!), and, most importantly, watching what you eat.

The Fizz Factor: Why Soda Might Not Be Your Friend

Let's go back to the drink question. After surgery, a cold can of your best drink might sound great, but soda can cause some problems for wisdom tooth sockets that are still healing. The pop is mostly to blame. Bubbles are made by carbonation, which can damage the delicate blood clots at the extraction site. This can cause a painful disease called dry socket, in which the bone and nerves are exposed and cause much pain.

This is why soda might not be the best thing for you while you're recovering:

• Dislodging the Blood Clot: As was already said, blood clots are significant for healing. Soda's carbonation can break up this clot, which can cause dry sockets and slow repair.

• Acidity Concerns: Colas and some other drinks are acidic. This acidity can make the surgery site itch and could make healing take longer.

• Sugar Rush: Sodas usually have a lot of sugar, which can make inflammation worse and make it easier for germs to grow, which could raise your risk of getting an infection.

Safe Alternatives to Quench Your Thirst

What else can you drink besides soda to stay hydrated while you heal? These are some great choices:

• Cool, Clear Liquids: You should drink water. Aim for eight glasses of water every day to stay refreshed. Cool drinks suit your mouth because they soothe it, and water helps eliminate germs.

• Sugar-Free Flavored Water: If regular water tastes boring, choose sugar-free water. This gives you a taste without the acidity or sugar that soda does.

• Diluted Fruit Juices: Fruit drinks that have been diluted with water are better for you than juice that has not been diluted. Pick drinks that aren't too acidic, like apple or pear juice.

• Yogurt and Smoothies: Don't use the straw! These give you much-needed water and some essential nutrients. Choose plain yoghurt or shakes made with fruit and low-sugar yoghurt. Do not use straws because the pressure can move the blood clot around.

After removing your wisdom teeth, talk to your doctor about what fluids are best to drink.

When Can You Enjoy Soda Again? The Healing Timeline

How long it takes to heal after having your wisdom teeth taken out depends on the person. But here's a general idea of when things should happen:

• The First 48 Hours: Now is a significant time to avoid pop and other carbonated drinks. Let the blood clot form and remain in place for the best repair.

• Days 3-7: Eat soft foods and drink cool drinks. As your mouth heals, you can slowly add more solid things. During this time, you can still skip the pop.

• Week One and Beyond: You can slowly start drinking soda again if your healing is going well and you haven't had any problems. Start with small amounts, don't use straws, and keep an eye on your mouth to see if it hurts.

Regarding your post-surgery care, including when to start drinking soda again, it's always best to follow your dentist's specific directions. They will know about your particular case and be able to tell you what the best thing to do is.

Prioritising Healing for a Speedy Recovery

After removing your wisdom teeth, drinking a fantastic, relaxing soda might be tempting, but focusing on healing first is more important. Following your dentist's advice, eating soft foods and drinking water instead of soda can significantly lower your risk of problems and make sure you quickly recover. Take it easy. Giving up your best drink for a few days is a small price to pay for a fast recovery and a healthy mouth.

Here are some more tips to help you heal quickly after having your wisdom teeth taken out:

• Rest: Allow your body to heal by getting a relaxing rest. Don't do anything too complicated for the first few days—surgery to heal.

• Pain Management: Your doctor will give you painkillers. Follow the directions to ease the pain and ensure a smooth recovery.

• Oral Hygiene: Gentle oral care is essential. A half teaspoon of salt mixed with a glass of warm water should be used to rinse your mouth several times daily. This gets rid of food bits and helps the body heal. It's important to brush, but be careful around the wound for the first few days while it heals.

• Ice Packs: Putting ice packs on the outside of your cheek will help reduce pain and swelling. To avoid getting it on your face, use a clean washcloth.

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can make it take longer to heal and raise your risk of getting an infection. Healing aids should not be worn for at least a week after surgery or as your doctor says.

• Warm Compresses: After the first few days of the swelling goes down, you can put warm clothes on your cheek to help blood flow and speed up the healing process.

Additional Considerations

• Bleeding: It's normal to heal a little after surgery. If you are bleeding a lot, you should call your doctor right away. 

• Fever: For the first day or two after surgery, it's normal to have a slight fever (up to 100.4°F). But if your fever lasts longer or worsens, you should see a dentist.

• Numbness: After surgery, nerve damage can cause temporary weakness around your lips, chin, and tongue. Most of the time, this goes away in a few weeks or months. But if the numbness lasts long, you should see your doctor.

Conclusion

Cleaning wisdom teeth is standard, but following the proper care instructions afterwards is essential to ensure a quick and painless recovery. You can help your mouth heal faster and lower the risk of problems by putting healing first, doing what your dentist says, and drinking healthy drinks instead of soda. If you want a healthy mouth that doesn't hurt, going without your best drink for a few days is a small price to pay.

So, the next time you want a soda after your wisdom teeth have healed, remember how important it is to put health first. For a quick and easy recovery, drink cool, hydrating liquids, maintain your hygiene, and do what your doctor says. You can drink your best drinks again if you take time and care.

FAQs

Q: Can I drink soda right after wisdom teeth removal?

A: Avoiding soda for at least the first 48 hours after surgery is best. This allows the blood clot at the extraction site to form and stabilise, promoting optimal healing. The carbonation in soda can disrupt the clot, potentially leading to a dry socket (a painful condition).

Q: Why is soda bad for healing after wisdom teeth removal?

A: There are three main reasons:

• Dislodging the blood clot:  The fizz in soda can dislodge the blood clot, hindering healing and potentially causing a dry socket.

• Acidity: Some sodas, particularly colas, are acidic. This acidity can irritate the surgical site and slow down healing.

• Sugar Rush: The high sugar content in soda can contribute to inflammation and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection.

Q: What can I drink instead of soda after wisdom teeth removal?

A: Here are some excellent alternatives to keep you hydrated:

• Cool, clear liquids: Water is your best friend! Aim for eight glasses a day.

• Sugar-free flavoured water: Offers a hint of taste without the added sugar or acidity.

• Diluted fruit juices: Dilute fruit juices with water to reduce acidity and sugar content. Choose low-acidity juices like apple or pear.

• Yoghurt and Smoothies (skip the straw!): Provide hydration and essential nutrients. Opt for plain yoghurt or smoothies made with low-sugar yoghurt and fruits.

Q: When can I start drinking soda again after wisdom teeth removal?

A: The healing timeline varies, but here's a general guideline:

• First 48 hours: Avoid soda completely.

• Days 3-7: Focus on a soft diet and cool liquids. Hold off on soda for now.

• Week One and Beyond: If healing progresses, slowly reintroduce soda with small sips, avoiding straws and monitoring for discomfort.

Q: Are there any other things I should avoid after wisdom teeth removal?

A: Yes, here are some additional things to avoid:

• Strenuous activity: Rest for the first few days to allow healing.

• Smoking and alcohol: These can slow down healing and increase infection risk.

• Straws: Suction can dislodge the blood clot.

• Hot foods: Can irritate the surgical site.

Q: What should I do if I experience excessive bleeding, fever, or prolonged numbness?

A: Contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs of complications.

Reference

• [1] National Health Service (NHS) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/,

• [2] University College London Eastman Dental Institute https://www.ucl.ac.uk/eastman/eastman-dental-institute,

• [3] The Journal of Dentistry [https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-dentistry]

• [4] the British Dental Association [https://www.bda.org.uk/]

• [5] The Mental Health Foundation [https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/]

• [6] The British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery [https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/british-journal-of-oral-and-maxillofacial-surgery]