Oral Surgery Recovery: Do’s and Don’ts for a Speedy Healing Process

Having oral surgery can feel a little scary. It’s nerve-wracking to think about having any kind of surgery, though anesthesia and other sedation methods make the process a lot more comfortable. It’s the recovery process that can be a bit overwhelming at first. But with the right after oral surgery care, you can make healing go much more smoothly. At Elite Family Dental of Brookfield, we want to walk you through some practical tips on what to do (and what to avoid) and what to eat after oral surgery with stitches so your mouth heals quickly and safely.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

The first 24 hours after your dental procedure are the most important. This is when your mouth needs the most care, and following your oral surgery after-care instructions can make a big difference. During this time, try to:

• Control Bleeding – Bite gently on the gauze your dentist gave you. Change it as instructed—usually every 30–45 minutes.
• Reduce Swelling – Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face in 15–20 minute intervals.
• Take it Easy – Rest, keep your head elevated, and avoid bending or heavy lifting.
• Protect the Area – Don’t poke or pick at your stitches with your tongue or fingers.

Diet and Nutrition Post-Surgery

The right foods can help you heal faster, while the wrong ones can cause irritation or even damage your stitches. Here is a general guideline:

What to Eat After Oral Surgery With Stitches:

• Soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce.
• A liquid diet after oral surgery like soups, smoothies, and protein shakes, can be very soothing in the first couple of days.
• Foods that promote healing after oral surgery include those rich in protein (eggs, Greek yogurt), vitamin C (mashed berries, soft peaches), and zinc (smooth nut butters).

What to Avoid:

• Anything crunchy, spicy, or acidic that could irritate your surgical site.
• Hot foods and drinks can increase swelling.
• Sticky foods that could cling to stitches.

Oral Hygiene and Mouth Care

You still need to keep your mouth clean after surgery, but it requires a gentle approach.

Do:

• Start brushing again the day after surgery, but avoid the surgical site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. It helps reduce bacteria and keeps the area clean.
• Use your dentist’s recommended mouthwash after oral surgery, but only if it’s alcohol-free and safe for healing tissue.

Don’t:

• Swish or spit forcefully. A gentle tilt and let-the-water-fall-out method works best.
• Use strong alcohol-based mouthwashes. They can irritate and slow down healing.

Activities and Lifestyle Adjustments

Recovery isn’t just about your mouth. It’s also about how you treat your body during this time:

• Rest – Plan on at least 24–48 hours of downtime after your procedure.
• Skip the Gym for Now – Vigorous activity can increase bleeding and swelling. Light walking is fine once you feel up to it.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol – Both can slow down healing and increase the risk of dry socket.
• Talk Less, Chew Less – In the first couple of days, minimize movement to give your jaw and stitches time to settle.

Recognizing Complications

Most people recover without any issues, but it’s important to know when something’s not right. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice:

• Pain that isn’t improving or is getting worse
• Bleeding that doesn’t slow down after following your oral surgery after care instructions
• Swelling that increases instead of decreases after 2–3 days
• Signs of infection, like fever, pus, or a bad taste or odor in your mouth

Follow-Up Appointments

Even if you’re feeling good, don’t skip your follow-ups. These visits allow your dentist to:

• Check your healing progress
• Remove stitches, if necessary
• Give you personalized advice for continued care after oral surgery

Heal With the Right Oral Surgery After Care

Proper care after oral surgery can significantly improve your healing process and prevent complications. If you’re preparing for oral surgery or have questions about your recovery, the team at Elite Family Dental of Brookfield is here to help. Schedule your consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Oral Surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure and individual health but typically ranges from a few days to two weeks.

Can I Brush My Teeth After Oral Surgery?

Yes, but avoid the surgical area initially and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions.

What Should I Eat After Oral Surgery With Stitches?

Stick to soft or blended foods. A liquid diet after oral surgery with smoothies or broths is also a great option.

Is It Normal to Have Swelling After Oral Surgery?

Mild swelling is normal in the first 48 hours. Apply ice packs and follow care instructions to reduce discomfort.

Can I Drink Coffee After Oral Surgery?

It’s best to avoid hot drinks like coffee for the first few days. Heat can dissolve the blood clot and delay healing. If you can’t go without caffeine, try iced coffee instead, but skip the straw to prevent dry socket.

What Should I Do if My Stitches Come Loose Early?

Don’t panic. Stitches can sometimes loosen before your follow-up. Call our office right away so we can check the site and give you the right oral surgery after care instructions to stay on track with healing.