How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is very common, especially in your late teens or early twenties. The surgery is usually quick, but the recovery time can feel slow and uncomfortable if you don’t take proper care.

The good news? You can speed up your wisdom teeth recovery by following a few simple steps at home. In this blog, you’ll learn how to heal faster, what to eat and avoid, and some easy home care tips to reduce pain and swelling.

Let’s get started!

Why Do We Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to appear—usually between ages 17 and 25. Sometimes, they grow without problems. But often, they don’t have enough space to come out properly.

This can cause:

• Pain and swelling
  
• Infection
  
• Damage to nearby teeth
  
• Gum problems
  

That’s why dentists often suggest removing them before they cause trouble.

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Recovery Take?

Recovery time can vary for each person, but here’s a simple idea of what to expect:

• Day 1: Some bleeding and swelling are normal. Rest and avoid disturbing the area.
  
• Days 2–3: Swelling and soreness may increase slightly. Continue using ice packs and soft foods.
  
• Days 4–7: Healing starts to improve. You can eat a wider variety of soft foods.
  
• 1–2 weeks: Most people feel much better, and the gums start to close fully.
  

With the right care, you’ll recover faster and more comfortably.

10 Best Tips to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery

Here are the top tips you should follow to heal faster after wisdom teeth removal:

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you aftercare instructions—these are very important! They’ll tell you:

• When to take your medicines
  
• How to clean your mouth
  
• What foods are safe to eat

Following their advice closely will help prevent infection and speed up recovery.

2. Don’t Disturb the Blood Clot

After the tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty space (socket). This clot helps protect the bone and nerve underneath.

If it’s disturbed, it can cause dry socket, a painful condition that delays healing.

To protect the blood clot:

• Don’t use a straw for at least 5–7 days.
  
• Don’t spit or rinse too hard.
  
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  
• Eat gently and avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
  

3. Control Swelling and Pain

It’s normal to have some swelling and pain after extraction. You can reduce it by:

• Using an ice pack on your cheek for 15–20 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours.
  
• Switching to a warm compress after 48 hours to help blood flow and heal faster.
  
• Taking painkillers exactly as your dentist recommends.

Never wait until the pain gets too bad before taking medicine—it’s easier to control pain early.

4. Keep Your Mouth Clean (But Gently)

Good oral hygiene is very important after surgery. But you need to be gentle.

Here’s how to clean safely:

• Do not rinse or brush for the first 24 hours.
  
• From the next day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) after meals.
  
• Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction area.
  
• Skip regular mouthwashes for the first few days, especially if they contain alcohol.

5. Eat Soft, Healthy Foods

Your mouth will be sore, so stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods for the first few days.

Good options include:

• Soups and broths (not too hot)
  
• Mashed potatoes or bananas
  
• Yogurt and smoothies
  
• Oatmeal or porridge
  
• Scrambled eggs
  
• Applesauce

Avoid:

• Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods
  
• Sticky or chewy items like candies
  
• Very hot drinks or soups

Eating the right foods helps your body heal faster and keeps your energy levels up.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps your body heal. Drink lots of water throughout the day.

But remember:

• Don’t use a straw — the sucking motion can remove the blood clot.
  
• Avoid fizzy, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks for at least a week.

Plain water is your best friend during recovery!

7. Get Enough Rest

Your body needs rest to heal.

• Sleep for at least 7–8 hours a night.
  
• Avoid heavy exercise or lifting for 3–5 days.
  
• Keep your head slightly elevated when lying down to reduce swelling.

Resting well helps your body focus on healing the gums and tissues around the extraction site.

8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and slows healing. Alcohol can also interfere with medicines and delay recovery.

Avoid both for at least a week after the extraction — or longer if possible.

9. Try Natural Remedies for Comfort

Some simple home remedies can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Try these gentle options:

• Salt Water Rinse: Keeps the mouth clean and reduces bacteria.
  
• Cold Compress: Reduces pain and swelling.
  
• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes gums and speeds up healing.
  
• Clove Oil: Natural pain relief (use a tiny amount near the sore area).
  
• Honey: Has natural antibacterial properties and helps calm irritation.

(Always check with your dentist before using any natural remedy.)

10. Watch for Warning Signs

Even with good care, problems can sometimes happen.
Call your dentist immediately if you notice:

• Persistent or severe pain
  
• Ongoing bleeding
  
• Bad smell or taste in the mouth
  
• Fever or swelling that gets worse
  
• Difficulty opening your mouth

These may be signs of an infection or dry socket, which need professional care right away.

Sleeping Tips After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many people find it hard to sleep after extraction. Try these tips:

• Use two pillows to keep your head raised.
  
• Sleep on your back, not on your side.
  
• Avoid sleeping on the side of the surgery.
  
• Place a towel on your pillow in case of drooling.

A good night’s sleep will help your body heal faster and reduce swelling.

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Recovery

Eat These:

• Smoothies (without straws)
  
• Soup and dal
  
• Mashed vegetables
  
• Yogurt or curd
  
• Rice porridge or khichdi

Avoid These:

• Chips, nuts, or popcorn
  
• Spicy foods
  
• Hot drinks
  
• Carbonated beverages
  
• Hard or chewy meats

What Slows Down Wisdom Teeth Recovery?

If your recovery feels slow, it might be because of:

• Smoking or drinking alcohol
  
• Not resting enough
  
• Eating hard or spicy foods too soon
  
• Poor oral hygiene
  
• Ignoring post-op instructions

Avoid these mistakes and your healing will go smoothly!

How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery

• Follow your dentist’s advice
• Keep the area clean with salt water rinses
• Eat soft, healthy foods
• Drink plenty of water
• Rest and sleep well
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and straws
• Use ice packs for swelling
• Watch for any signs of infection

When to Visit the Dentist Again

Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up appointment about a week after surgery. This visit helps them check if the area is healing properly.

But don’t wait until your appointment if you’re in pain or something feels wrong — call your dentist right away. Early treatment can prevent complications.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal recovery doesn’t have to be difficult or slow. With a little care, patience, and good habits, you can heal quickly and comfortably.

Remember — rest well, eat soft foods, keep your mouth clean, and avoid anything that can disturb the healing site.

If you have any pain, swelling, or discomfort that doesn’t improve, see your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll make sure your mouth heals safely and fully.