There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of pineapple juice for wisdom teeth. Some people swear by it, while others say that it does nothing to help. So, what’s the truth? Does pineapple juice help with wisdom teeth? The truth is that pineapple juice can have some negligible benefit to those recovering from wisdom teeth removals, however, it isn’t enough to be recommended in any serious quantity. In this blog post, we will take a look at the evidence and see what dentists recommend.
Pineapple Juice For Wisdom Teeth Removal: The Facts
Pineapple Juice Contains Bromelain
A very commonly discussed benefit of pineapple juice is its supposed ability to reduce inflammation. Yes, pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it could potentially reduce swelling and pain after surgery.
However, this bromelain is found in such small quantities in pineapple juice that it is unlikely to have any significant effect. The amount of pineapple juice you would need to drink to see any benefit is probably more than you could consume, and even then, the effect is likely to be very small.
If you are experiencing pain and swelling it is much more helpful to use an ice pack or take pain medication as directed by your dentist.
Pineapple juice might help a little bit with wisdom teeth pain and swelling, but it certainly isn’t a cure-all. It is definitely not recommended to drink it only for this purpose.
Pineapple Juice Contains Nutrients
The most important thing to worry about when healing from wisdom teeth removal is getting enough nutrients to aid the healing process. Pineapple juice does contain some nutrients that can help with healing, however, this isn’t the sole method of gaining these nutrients.
You can get the same nutrients from eating pineapple or other fruits and vegetables. In fact, from the perspective of getting nutrients, eating pineapple is probably a better option than pineapple juice since you would be getting less sugar.
The key takeaway of this is that one must make sure to get lots of nutrients after wisdom teeth removal. This can be done through pineapple juice, but also many other means. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not eating for fear of damaging their wisdom teeth stitches. As long as you are careful, eating should not be a problem and is essential for healing.
Pineapple Juice Keeps You Hydrated
After wisdom teeth surgery, it is important to stay hydrated. This means drinking lots of water and other fluids. Pineapple juice can help with this since it is mostly water. However, again, there are better options out there.
As long as you stay hydrated, pineapple juice will not make a big difference. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks like soda. Stick to healthy options and you will be on the right track.
What Should I Do Instead?
There are many other better, dentist-recommended, options for reducing pain and swelling after wisdom teeth removal. These include:
Taking Pain Relief Medication Before Going to Bed
This one is pretty straightforward. If you are in pain, take pain medication an hour before going to bed. This will help you sleep through the night and reduce pain so you can get some much-needed rest.
This can include over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or prescription pain medication from your dentist or surgeon. Typically the prescription pain medication given is Tylenol-3 (acetaminophen/codeine) which is a very effective pain reliever.
Typically over-the-counter pain medication takes around 30 minutes to an hour to work and will last for approximately four to six hours. If you have severe pain, dentists may recommend taking over-the-counter medication more frequently than recommended on the bottle. Just be sure to check with your dentist or surgeon first as they will know what is best for you based on your individual case.
Some people may be hesitant to take medication because they are worried about becoming addicted or dependent on it. To combat this be sure to follow the instructions on how often you can take the medication.
Using an Ice Pack
An ice pack can be very helpful in reducing swelling and pain after wisdom teeth removal. Applying an ice pack to your cheek reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels. This, in turn, will reduce pain and help you sleep more comfortably. Apply the ice pack to the outside of your cheek before going to sleep.
You can also use a bag of frozen peas or corn in a pinch. Just make sure to wrap it in a towel so it doesn’t directly touch your skin.
Not Drinking Through a Straw
For the first 24 hours, you should avoid drinking through a straw after wisdom tooth extraction. This is primarily because constant suction might dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. If this happens, you may develop a painful condition called a dry socket.
Not Consuming Alcohol, Carbonated Beverages, or Crunch/Chewy Foods
For the first day after your wisdom teeth are pulled, also abstain from alcohol, carbonated drinks, and crunchy or chewy foods. Much like using a straw, these can cause the blood clot that forms post-extraction to become dislodged.
Not Swishing Hard After Brushing Teeth
When brushing your teeth, avoid swishing the water around too vigorously in your mouth. This can also cause the blood clot to dislodge, leading to a dry socket. Instead of swishing violently, try gently swishing the water and then allowing it to drip out of your mouth for the first few days.
Not Smoking or Vaping
A number of research studies have established a connection between smoking/vaping and the development of dry sockets. Smoking dries out your mouth, making it more difficult to heal any type of sore, surgery, or infection. Additionally, the sucking motion may induce a blood clot to break loose. If you smoke cigarettes, try to give them up for at least 2-3 days following dental surgery.
Not Planning Heavy Exercise
Exercise is great for your overall health, but it’s best to avoid anything too strenuous immediately following dental surgery. By undergoing intense exercise after a tooth extraction you increase your blood pressure and heart rate which increases the risk of dislodging the blood clot and wisdom tooth’s stitches. If you must exercise, try to stick to light cardio or yoga.
Our Conclusion on Pineapple Juice Wisdom Teeth Healing
In conclusion, pineapple juice might help with wisdom teeth in a very small way, but it is not a cure-all. There are better options out there for getting the nutrients you need after wisdom teeth surgery. The most important thing is to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. Pineapple juice can be helpful as a part of a healthy diet, but it is not necessary and should not be relied on as the only source of nutrition.
If you are looking for more tips on what to eat or drink after wisdom teeth surgery, be sure to ask your dentist, not FADs or social media influencers. They will be able to give you specific recommendations based on your individual case.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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