Why Chewing Gum After Wisdom Tooth Removal Is a No-No

Chewing gum after wisdom tooth removal might seem harmless, but it’s one of the quickest ways to disrupt healing and cause complications like dry socket.

In this blog, we explain why chewing gum is a no-no after surgery, when it’s safe to chew gum, and what to do to support a smooth recovery.

Legacy Surgery offers wisdom teeth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.

Why You Should Avoid Chewing Gum After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Chewing gum might seem harmless, but it can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery.

Here’s why it is best to avoid gum in the early days of recovery:

• Dislodged blood clot: Chewing gum creates suction that can disturb the blood clot protecting your surgical site. This can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
• Excess jaw movement: Gum chewing strains the muscles and joints near the extraction area. This can slow the healing process or worsen swelling and soreness.
• Sticky residue: Gum may stick to the surgical site or your sutures, increasing the risk of infection or irritation.

What Else to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Protect your healing sites by avoiding anything that could dislodge the clot, irritate the surgical site, or put unnecessary pressure on your jaw.

Avoid these activities during the first week:

• No straws: Suction from a straw can cause dry socket.
• No smoking or vaping: These slow healing and introduce harmful bacteria into the tooth socket, becoming a breeding ground for infection.
• No alcohol: Alcohol delays tissue repair and can interfere with prescribed pain medications.
• No hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: Chips, nuts, popcorn, and caramel can irritate the site, introduce food particles, and increase the risk of complications.
• No vigorous rinsing or spitting: Gentle care is key in the first 24–48 hours of the recovery period.

What You Can Do Instead of Chewing Gum

It is totally normal to have stinky breath after wisdom teeth removal. Here are a few safe ways to keep your breath fresh: 

• Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to clean and soothe the area.
• Brush teeth carefully without touching the extraction site. Keep your mouth clean to avoid the risk of infection.
• Use mouth spray or lozenges (sugar-free and without alcohol) to help dry mouth.
• Keep hydrated by sipping plenty of water regularly (no straws).
• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and ice cream as part of a soft food diet.

If your bad breath is getting worse instead of better, it could be a sign of infection. If bad breath persists, let your surgeon know.

Healing Timeline After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Every person heals at a different rate, but here is a general outline of what to expect:

1. First 24 hours: Blood clot forms. Stick to soft, cold foods and rest. Use a gauze pad as instructed.
2. Days 2–3: Swelling and mild discomfort peak. Use ice packs and follow pain medications or counter pain relievers.
3. Days 4–7: Early healing begins. You can rinse gently with warm water and resume soft foods.
4. Week 2: Sutures may dissolve or be removed. Swelling should go down. You can start to reintroduce solid foods gradually.
5. Week 3 and beyond: Most healing completes. You may return to normal activities and regular activities, depending on your individual recovery time.

Once your mouth has completely healed and all the sutures have dissolved or been removed, then you can safely chew gum again. 

You will know that your mouth has completely healed when there is no more swelling, tenderness, or visible opening at the extraction site, and your oral surgeon clears you to resume normal activities.

Final Tips on Recovery

Follow these wisdom tooth recovery do’s and don’ts for a drama-free recovery:

DO:

• Keep the gauze pad in place for the first few hours after surgery
• Ice your cheeks in 15-minute intervals using ice packs
• Take prescribed pain medications exactly as directed
• Eat soft, nutritious foods and maintain your oral health
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling

DO NOT:

• Chew gum 
• Smoke or vape
• Touch the surgical site
• Drink hot drinks or eat hot or spicy foods 

Wisdom Teeth Removal At Legacy Surgery

If you are searching for an oral surgeon to remove your wisdom teeth, we can help! Our oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, specializes in wisdom teeth removal. We perform this surgery at our locations in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA. 

To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (50) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.To book an appointment at our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.