How to Prep for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

In many cases, teenagers often feel pain in the gums in the back of their jaw when they reach a certain age. This pain is related to wisdom teeth coming in. The name comes from the fact that you have to be older, closer to adulthood, to have these teeth emerge. These teeth need to be removed since they will only partly erupt at an angle or remain embedded in the jaw. If you are about to undergo wisdom teeth extraction, take comfort in knowing this is a safe procedure, especially when you prepare for it accordingly.

Food and Drink

There are certain rules that come with what you can eat and drink, particularly if you’ll be experiencing anesthesia. You will not be able to eat after midnight the night before the procedure. This is a rule because patients who eat too close to the surgery often throw up or experience asphyxiation thanks to the anesthesia. The only thing you can consume is medication, taken with water. If you expect the procedure to occur within a week’s time, be sure you eat a healthy diet full of vitamin C to boost your immune system.

Tooth and Mouth Care

During this week, you should also remember to carefully brush and floss your teeth. Following surgery, you won’t be able to clean your teeth for some time, so now is your chance to clean them up. Some even recommend visiting the dentist for a cleaning. The night before the surgery, think about wiping out the bacteria in your mouth. Mix in a cup 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water. Pour this combination into your mouth and swish it around for a minute before rinsing your mouth. One other tip is to apply petroleum jelly to your lips before you retire the night before. This will prevent your lips from chapping and cutting as your mouth will be open for an extended period of time.

Dressing

Keep in mind how you should dress for the surgery. It’s advised that you wear comfortable and loose-fitting attire. Many people choose to wear sweats and t-shirts. Make sure your sleeves on your shirt are loose enough so the professionals can easily put in an IV. Don’t wear sneakers since these are not permitted; you may wear flip-flops instead. Long hair needs to be pulled back in a ponytail, and headbands are often helpful when undergoing wisdom teeth extraction.