If you have just had your wisdom teeth removed, you may be experiencing a sore throat. This is a very common side effect of the surgery, and is usually caused by swelling in the area. In this article, we will discuss why a sore throat happens after surgery and ways to soothe a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal.
What Causes a Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling from the Tooth Removal
The most common cause of a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is swelling. Wisdom teeth removal is surgery and like all surgeries, there is some swelling afterwards. Swelling does not have to occur exactly at the surgery site. It can also occur in the throat and neck area. This is especially the case if you have removed your bottom wisdom teeth. The swelling can cause soreness in the throat and make it difficult to swallow. In cases like these, when the swelling goes down a few days to a week after your surgery, the sore throat usually goes away on its own.
The Sore Throat is Unrelated to the Wisdom Tooth Removal
Sometimes, the sore throat is not caused by the surgery at all. It can be caused by a cold or flu that you had before the surgery or that you develop after the surgery. Because your body is recovering from surgery, it is more susceptible to getting sick. This is why dentists always stress the importance of eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated after your surgery. Not only does it help in the healing process, but also helps prevent you from getting sick. In these cases, the sore throat will usually go away on its own once the cold or flu has passed.
Infection
Although not as common, a sore throat can also be caused by an infection after your wisdom tooth removal. This typically occurs in less than 5% of all wisdom teeth removal cases. The infection that starts in the area of your extraction and can radiate out to the throat and neck area. If you think that you might have an infection, it is important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. They will be able to clean out the area, prescribe pain medication, and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. You can read our wisdom tooth infection article (linked above) for more information regarding this topic.
How to Soothe a Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
As we stated previously, except for cases of infection, the sore throat will go away on its own given enough time. If there are cases where the sore throat is extremely painful there are ways to help soothe a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal.
Drink Cold Beverages
Drinking cold beverages can help to soothe a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal. This is because it numbs the area and helps to reduce swelling. Try drinking smoothies, juices, milkshakes, or ice water.
Take Pain Medication
For less severe cases you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help with the sore throat. Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both good options, however, we recommend Advil over Tylenol. If you are in a lot of pain, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe you pain medication. This will help to control the pain and make it more bearable. They may also prescribe you an antibiotic if they think you might have an infection.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
As we stated before, eating healthy and staying hydrated are important for the healing process. Eating healthy helps to promote tissue growth and repair. Staying hydrated also helps with the healing process. If you are concerned about possibly developing a dry socket, or are in pain when eating, try to eat soft foods that are easy to chew such as mashed potatoes, soup, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, etc. Drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks such as soda.
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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