Best way to reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal
After wisdom tooth removal, swelling should start to improve after one or two days, with some pain and swelling possible for up to two weeks.
The short answer
The best-supported steps are to take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, eat soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable, and keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water. Swelling should start to improve after one or two days, although some pain and swelling can last for up to two weeks. Do not smoke.
What is the direct answer?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What can help after removal? | Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, eat soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable, and keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water. |
| When should swelling improve? | Swelling should start to improve after one or two days. Some pain and swelling can continue for up to two weeks after wisdom tooth removal. |
What does this question mean?
For up to two weeks after wisdom tooth removal, there is usually some pain and swelling. The swelling should start to improve after one or two days. Pain and swelling that are severe or worsening, especially when painkillers do not help, need urgent dental care.
What can you do next?
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain. Eat soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable, and keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water. Do not smoke. If bleeding occurs, press the area for at least ten minutes with a clean cloth or cotton wool.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I eat? | Eat soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable. |
| How can I keep the wound clean? | Keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water. Do not smoke. |
When should you seek dental care?
Ask for urgent dental care if bleeding does not stop, if pain and swelling are severe or worsening and painkillers do not help, or if pain comes with a bad taste, high temperature or feeling unwell. If bleeding occurs, press the area for at least ten minutes with a clean cloth or cotton wool.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask for urgent dental care if bleeding does not stop, if pain and swelling are severe or worsening and painkillers do not help, or if pain comes with a bad taste, high temperature or feeling unwell. These are the symptoms described after wisdom tooth removal that call for urgent dental care.
Frequently asked questions
Some pain and swelling are usually present for up to two weeks after wisdom tooth removal, but swelling should start to improve after one or two days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain. Soft or liquid food, gentle rinsing with mouthwash or warm salt water, and not smoking are also described after removal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to reduce swelling in my face after wisdom tooth removal?
Swelling should start to improve after one or two days. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, eat soft or liquid food until chewing is comfortable, and keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water. Do not smoke.
When should I seek urgent dental care after wisdom tooth removal?
Ask for urgent dental care if bleeding does not stop, if pain and swelling are severe or worsening and painkillers do not help, or if pain comes with a bad taste, high temperature or feeling unwell.