How to Care for Your Oral Health Before and After Surgery?
Undergoing surgery can feel overwhelming, but your preparation and aftercare play a major role in how smoothly things go. While your dentist handles the procedure, having oral surgery in Windermere, Edmonton, also means you have access to guidance every step of the way. From hygiene to diet, knowing what to do at home makes a real difference in your comfort and healing.
Pre-Surgery Oral Hygiene Tips for a Smooth Procedure
Keeping your mouth clean before surgery sets the stage for better healing and fewer complications. Start preparing a few days ahead of time, not the night before.
Here’s how to do it:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly two times a day, but don’t scrub too hard. Gentle strokes are better, especially near sensitive gums.
- Floss daily to remove trapped food and lower bacteria.
- Rinse with a saltwater solution if your dentist recommends it.
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. They may dry out your mouth and irritate tissues.
- On the day of the procedure, skip makeup and lipstick. Clean skin helps keep the surgical area sterile.
Good oral hygiene creates a cleaner environment for the surgeon to work in. It also lowers your chances of infection.
Importance of Following the Dentist’s Instructions Before Oral Surgery
This step often gets overlooked, but your dentist’s guidelines aren’t suggestions—they’re essential.
Ignoring even a small rule can lead to serious setbacks. Here’s why following the plan matters:
- If you’re taking medications, stopping or continuing them depends on your dentist’s advice.
- You may need to fast before the procedure if anesthesia is involved. Eating beforehand can lead to nausea or other complications.
- Smokers should avoid all tobacco for at least 24 hours before and after. Tobacco delays healing and enhances the risk of infection.
- Bring someone with you on the day of surgery, especially if sedation is involved. You’ll need help getting home.
If you’re having corrective jaw surgery, detailed instructions will likely span several days. Stick to every one of them—no exceptions.
What to Eat and Avoid Before Your Dental Surgery
Your diet the day before surgery can either support your healing or slow it down. Stick with light, easy-to-digest meals if you’re allowed to eat.
Eat these:
- Soft foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs
- Soups with soft veggies (nothing crunchy or chewy)
- Smoothies with no seeds or chunks
- Plenty of water
Avoid these:
- Spicy foods—they can irritate your mouth
- Sticky or hard items like popcorn, nuts, or granola
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Large, greasy meals
Following this simple plan prepares your body for the procedure while reducing bloating and discomfort.
Post-Surgery Oral Hygiene Do’s and Don’ts
Once your mouth surgery is over, how you care for your mouth changes—for a little while. Think of it as short-term special care for long-term benefits.
Do:
- Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the surgical area for the first 24 hours.
- Clean with warm salt water starting the day after your surgery.
- Use any prescribed mouth rinses exactly as directed.
- Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Replace your toothbrush after a few days to avoid bacteria buildup.
Don’t:
- Use a straw—the suction can dislodge blood clots.
- Rinse too hard or too often in the first 24 hours.
- Skip brushing entirely. Keep brushing the areas not involved in surgery.
- Smoke or drink alcohol. Both will slow healing and increase the risk of dry socket.
Your care plan may differ based on whether the procedure was scheduled or handled by an emergency dentist in Windermere, Edmonton. No matter the situation, it’s important to follow all instructions carefully for proper healing.
Foods That Promote Healing After Oral Surgery
You’ll need foods that soothe, nourish, and go down without effort. It might be tempting to grab a milkshake, but sugar isn’t your friend when it comes to healing.
Try these healing foods:
- Yogurt (plain or with soft fruits)
- Applesauce
- Bone broth or vegetable soup
- Avocado (mashed)
- Cottage cheese
- Soft-cooked rice or quinoa
- Protein smoothies (without seeds or small bits)
Tips to remember:
- Stay away from hot foods on the first day—they can dissolve blood clots.
- Cold foods like ice cream or cold soups can help numb the site and ease pain.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay always hydrated, but skip anything fizzy.
A good diet keeps energy levels up and speeds up tissue repair. Consult with your dental clinic in Windermere, Edmonton, to determine their recommendations based on your specific procedure.
Managing Pain and Swelling After Dental Procedures
Some discomfort is normal. But the good news is—you can manage it well with a few basic tools and a little patience.
For swelling:
- Use a cold pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals for the first 24 hours.
- After the first day, switch to warm compresses to help blood flow and reduce stiffness.
- Sleep with your head propped up. This reduces fluid buildup and throbbing.
For pain:
- Use prescribed medications as directed. Don’t wait until the pain worsens.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but always ask before combining with prescriptions.
- Avoid anything that causes tension in your jaw, like chewing gum or yawning widely.
The body does a lot of work behind the scenes during recovery. Give it the rest and support it needs.
Final Thoughts
Your recovery begins with small, steady steps—and you don’t have to take them alone. At Viva Dental Wellness/ The Snore Centre, we provide the care, support, and guidance you need to heal with confidence. Schedule your visit today and let our team help you protect your smile, restore comfort, and return to daily life feeling stronger and healthier.