Contents:
- Medical Video: The truth about smoking and dry socket
- Why not smoke after pulling teeth?
- Smoking after removing your teeth risks risking gum infection
- Not only cigarettes that must be avoided after pulling teeth
Medical Video: The truth about smoking and dry socket
After removing your teeth, the doctor will usually explain to you what things can and should not be done for the next few days. The goal is to speed up the healing process and prevent further complications. One that is taboo is not allowed to smoke after pulling teeth. Indeed, what is the reason, huh?
Why not smoke after pulling teeth?
You are not allowed to smoke after removing your teeth not without reason. Smoking after pulling teeth, until a few days later, can inhibit the process of healing the teeth.
For several days after removing the tooth, blood clots will begin to form in the tooth cavity (socket) that has been removed. These blood clots serve as protective pads for the bones of the teeth and nerve endings that are now open. The blood clots also function as a foundation or support for new bone growth and soft tissue later.
Unfortunately, this naturally formed blood clot is very easily damaged. That's why dentists usually advise you to avoid some things that can trigger damage to the blood clot. One of them smokes after pulling teeth.
Smoking after removing your teeth risks risking gum infection
Smoking can increase blood pressure. Even after the first suction, systolic blood pressure can rise as much as 4 mmHg. Increased blood pressure then increases the risk of bleeding which actually thinens the blood clot. Plus, the movement of smoking cigarettes can also reduce blood clots.
The release of blood clots in the dental cavity is called dry socket. Dry sockets can cause the bones and nerves of the teeth to be exposed to the outside environment, causing pain in the area where the tooth is removed. People who smoke after pulling teeth have a higher risk of developing blood clots so that the tooth socket becomes infected. As a result, it actually slows down the recovery process.
Especially when you smoke, the content of carbon monoxide constricts blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the area of the mouth and teeth and gums. Narrowing of blood vessels after smoking will reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients that should be delivered to gum tissue that is in the process of healing. As a result, the recovery process is even slower.
This is also confirmed by a study that found that about 12% of dry socket problems occurs in people who smoke after pulling teeth. While for non-smokers, the risk of experiencing the same thing is only about four percent, reported from the Healthline page,
Not only cigarettes that must be avoided after pulling teeth
You are advised not to smoke for at least 48 hours after removing your teeth. The longer you give the time it will be better for the process of restoring your teeth and gums.
It should be noted, actually not only smoking is prohibited after pulling teeth. Certain foods and drinks, habits of touching in the mouth, drinking using straws, and exercising are also not recommended for a while as long as you are in the recovery phase.
But do not need to worry, the rule usually applies no later than 24 hours starting from your teeth removed. After that, you can go back to eating, drinking, and doing activities as usual.
