Can I Chew Gum After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

When your wisdom teeth are removed, the extraction site will be stiff, swollen, and sore. Since your mouth is in a fragile condition, dental experts recommend avoiding tough and chewy foods entirely. This includes gum; your mouth has begun healing and is vulnerable to irritation.

Once a few days have passed, you can resume eating solid foods. However, it is still better to avoid gum for some time. If you still want to chew gums, here are some dangers it can bring forth:

1. Dislodged Blood Clot
   It is essential that your blood clot forms without any trouble and delay after wisdom teeth extraction. The blood clot will appear like a wet, red scab that covers the empty socket where your third molar used to be. When a blood clot forms, it protects the bone as well as nerve endings lying underneath from exposure and damage.

   Factors like chewing gum, using straws, and eating hard food increase the risk of dislocating the blood clot. If your blood clot moves from its position, it results in a painful condition called dry socket.

2. Infections
   Gum has a sticky nature, which makes it more likely to become stuck in an empty tooth socket. Even if you take out the gum without disturbing the blood clot, some pieces might remain behind. As a result, bacteria find a place to build up and thrive, leading to an infection. You will need emergency dental care to get rid of the infection!
3. Pain
   Your jaw muscles will feel stiff, sore, and numb initially after wisdom teeth surgery. The symptoms and discomfort gradually disappear with time as the extraction site begins to heal. However, chewing gum can apply excessive pressure on the extraction wound. This pressure results in pain and might even reopen your wisdom teeth stitches!