When you get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s natural to wonder just how soon you will feel back to normal as well as what precautions you must take to ensure a smooth recovery. One of the most common questions the team at Southwest Oral Surgical Arts receives is, “Why can’t I use a straw?” While it might feel relatively harmless, using a straw after wisdom teeth removal can actually complicate the healing process.
The Importance of a Blood Clot
Once your wisdom teeth are removed, a blood clot will form in the socket of your jawbone where your teeth used to be. Ultimately, this clot plays a huge role in the recovery process because it acts as a natural protective barrier for the site of the surgery. Protecting this blood clot prevents infection, helps the tissue heal, and acts as the foundation for the gum tissue to close and heal properly. The blood clot will fade away naturally as time passes and your mouth heals. However, if the clot is dislodged, significant complications can present, including:
- If the blood clot is accidentally disturbed in the socket, a very painful condition called “dry socket” can occur, which ends up leaving the bone and nerves exposed to air and food.
- Dry socket can also lead to significant infections in the tissue that surrounds the wisdom teeth removal surgical site.
- Pain associated with dry socket can be intense and will prolong recovery time after the surgery.
It is important to try to avoid experiencing dry socket at all costs. That includes not using a straw, which is one of the main ways the blood clot is disturbed.
Why Do Straws Cause Dry Sockets?
Ultimately, when you use a straw, suction is created, which generates pressure in your mouth that is potentially strong enough to impact the blood clot and make it come loose. Therefore, drink beverages from a glass or directly from the bottle. No straws, no sipping, and no sucking motions in any way—only gentle drinking.
Learn More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
It may feel inconvenient to not use a straw since it is such a normal part of everyday life. However, making sure to take care of your mouth following wisdom teeth removal is such an important part of realizing a smooth and healthy recovery. By ensuring you follow your oral surgeon’s advice, including not using straws, you will be more likely to avoid a painful complication like dry socket and get back to your normal life, eating and drinking all of your favorite foods and beverages.
If you’re preparing for wisdom teeth removal and want to ensure you know exactly what you can expect, we invite you to reach out to the team at Southwest Oral Surgical Arts. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal and the best practices you can employ to realize a speedy recovery.
