When you need to have your wisdom tooth removed, one of the questions you may have is when you’ll be able to resume your regular exercise routine. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but there will be signs that you’re ready. How long should you wait to exercise after tooth extraction? Find out!
Why Should You Stop Exercising After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
During the surgery, your oral surgeon will cut through tissue and bone to remove the tooth. This will cause swelling and discomfort in the surrounding areas.
Exercising increases blood flow to the extraction site, causing more swelling and bleeding. It will delay your healing and increase the chance of a dry socket, which is when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged. So, how long should you wait to exercise after tooth extraction? Keep reading for the answer.
How Long Should You Wait to Exercise After Tooth Extraction?
It’s important to listen to your body and how you feel before going back to exercising. You may be able to start light exercises such as walking within 24 hours, but anything that significantly raises your heart rate should be avoided for at least 4 days.
Avoid any strenuous exercises such as running or jumping for 2-3 weeks to ensure proper healing. If you feel any discomfort or pain during exercise, stop immediately.
Your oral surgeon will likely give you specific post-operative instructions, including how long to wait before resuming exercise. It’s important to follow these guidelines and listen to how your body is feeling. Don’t rush back into exercise before you’re fully healed to avoid any complications.
Will You Get a Dry Socket If You Start Exercising Sooner?
As long as you wait at least 24–48 hours and take proper precautions, it’s unlikely that you will develop a dry socket from light, low-impact exercise. However, if you experience pain or discomfort during or after exercise, contact your oral surgeon and stop exercising immediately.
Remember to take good care of the extraction site while healing. Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid sucking or spitting. Following these guidelines will decrease your chance of developing a dry socket and help ensure proper healing.
What Types of Exercise Are Safe After the First 24 Hours?
After the first 24 hours, it’s usually safe to do light exercises such as walking, gentle stretching, and light weightlifting. Here’s an example workout routine for the first 4 days after tooth extraction:
- Day 1: Rest.
- Day 2: Walk for 20 minutes.
- Day 3: Gentle stretching.
- Day 4: Walk for 30 minutes. Continue with gentle stretching.
Remember to listen to how your body is feeling and avoid any exercises that cause pain or discomfort. How long should you wait to exercise after tooth extraction if you were doing cardio? If you had a lower wisdom tooth removed, you may need to wait 7–10 days before resuming any form of cardio. If it was an upper tooth, 4–5 days should be enough time before resuming light cardio such as stationary cycling.
Easing Back into Your Regular Routine
After 2-3 weeks, you should be able to resume your regular exercise routine. Gradually ease back into it and pay attention to how your extraction site is feeling. If you experience any discomfort or pain, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further guidance.
Remember That Rest Is Important
While it’s important to exercise for overall health and well-being, rest is also crucial during your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction. Take time to relax and allow your body to heal. It’s better to wait a little longer before resuming exercise than risking complications or delay in healing. You can always talk to your surgeon about how long to wait and what exercises are safe for you to do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how long should you wait to exercise after tooth extraction or another oral surgery? Listen to your body and follow any specific post-operative instructions given by your oral surgeon. Normally, you should be able to resume light exercise within 2–4 days, and gradually increase intensity as long as there is no discomfort or pain.
Remember to take care of the extraction site and avoid any high-impact exercises for 2-3 weeks. Contact your oral surgeon if you experience any discomfort or pain during exercise. And don’t rush back into your regular routine. Take it easy, give yourself time to heal, and have a speedy recovery!
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