Smoking is injurious to health- This is something we are tired of hearing. It\’s not only applicable to your physical health but to your oral health too. Smoking hampers your oral health by making your teeth fall out. It\’s also a major cause of gum disease among many people. Let\’s explore what happens when you smoke after tooth extraction and things you should avoid after tooth extraction.
Why Do You Need Tooth Extraction?
One of the major reasons behind getting a tooth extraction is to pull out teeth that are severely affected by periodontal disease. If a badly damaged tooth is kept untreated, the bacteria buildup spreads and affects the other teeth, for which dentists suggest extracting the tooth. Sometimes a root canal becomes a savior where you no longer need to pull out a tooth, but a tooth extraction is necessary for the worst scenario. If you have gum disease or a badly decayed, untreated tooth, you need a tooth extraction.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
- You need to keep the extraction site clean. For this, you need to gently rinse the area with the help of an antimicrobacterial mouthwash at least thrice a day. However, you should also avoid brushing directly onto the extraction site.
- Don\’t smoke after tooth extraction as it might break the blood clotting, which will create complications later.
- After tooth extraction, your dentist will prescribe you medicine that needs to be followed thoroughly. Antibiotics and pain relievers are common medications that dentists give you to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Avoid having hot liquids, as it might increase swelling.
Can’t I Smoke After A Tooth Extraction?
Honestly, smoking even after a tooth extraction is not safe. Smoking tends to interfere with the healing process of your gums, which complicates your oral health. After tooth extraction, smoking increases the pain at the extraction site, which slows the healing process. When you smoke, you suck out the cigarettes that dislodge the blood clot badly.
Will Gauze Help Me Prevent Dry Socket While Smoking?
After tooth extraction, your dentist will give you gauze to cover the site. So, if you are using gauze in your extraction area, it prevents smoke from reaching the wound. It also helps reduce the pressure on the wound resulting in fewer blood clots. It also helps to stop the bleeding after the tooth extraction procedure.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Smoke?
Dentists recommend smokers stop smoking after tooth extraction. You should avoid smoking for the next five days after tooth extraction to avoid complications or increased pain in your gums. It\’s also important not to smoke in the first 24 hours after the extraction.
What Happens If I Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
Blood clots form at the extraction site when you undergo a tooth extraction. The clots must remain intact to ensure that the wound has healed perfectly. If you smoke when your mouth is healing, the smoke inhalation results in loosening the blood clot, and the wound might open up. This complicates the situation and increases the chances of infection. Also, dislodged clots lead to dry sockets, which delays the healing process and increases sensitivity for a prolonged time.
The Final Verdict
After tooth extraction, the blood clots in the empty socket need to heal. These clots are responsible for protecting the exposed nerves and bones. But if you smoke, this process delays, which creates a dry socket. A dry socket is unsuitable as it leads to bone infection, affecting oral health. So, you must wait at least 24 hours for the extraction area to heal. However, it\’s also suggested that you prevent yourself from heavy smoking till your extraction site completely heals. But let us suggest you- Don\’t smoke after tooth extraction; it\’s for your benefit for better oral health. We know it\’s easier said than done, but a little effort into something so small can later make considerable differences to your lifestyle and oral health. So, what are you waiting for? Start your little effort into reducing smoking today!