Should I Sleep With Gauze After Tooth Extraction? (Wisdom Teeth Removal)

If you’ve just had a tooth extraction, you know there are plenty of essential steps to follow to help you recover. One of them is sleeping with gauze. In this article, we will talk about tips to sleep better after tooth removal. So, should I sleep with gauze after tooth extraction? Read on to find out!

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Tips for a Better Sleep

Contents hide

1 Wisdom Teeth Removal: Tips for a Better Sleep

2 Should I Sleep With Gauze After Tooth Extraction?

3 Why Is It Important to Keep My Head Elevated?

4 Which Pain Medication to Take Before Sleep?

Take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. This will help to control any discomfort you may be feeling.
Use an ice pack or cold compress on your face for the first 24 hours after surgery. This will help to reduce swelling and pain. You can also rinse your mouth with cold water.
Use a soft dental brush to brush your teeth. Remember to be gentle.
Prop yourself up with pillows when you sleep for at least a week. This will help to prevent swelling in your face and make breathing easier.
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery. Alcohol can interact with pain medication and lead to dehydration.
Stay hydrated and eat soft foods (soups and smoothies) for the first few days after surgery. This will help your body heal properly and prevent infection.

Following these simple tips will help to recover from wisdom teeth extraction surgery. But should I sleep with gauze after tooth extraction? Let’s find out!

Should I Sleep With Gauze After Tooth Extraction?

Should I sleep with gauze after tooth extraction? When you have a tooth extracted, your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for the site of the extraction. In most cases, they will indeed tell you to sleep with gauze in your mouth overnight. This is to help absorb any blood that may seep from the extraction site.

Sleeping with gauze also helps to keep the area clean. However, some people find sleeping with gauze uncomfortable. If this is the case, you can try sleeping with a small pillow under your head or placing a rolled-up towel under your head for additional support.

There is a bit of controversy to sleeping with gauze. After all, it may pose as a choking hazard. This is why it’s crucial to keep your head high while sleeping.

Why Is It Important to Keep My Head Elevated?

Now that we know the answer to “Should I sleep with gauze after tooth extraction?” let’s talk about the other essential step. After having a tooth extracted, it is important to keep your head elevated while sleeping. This helps to reduce swelling and minimize bleeding. When you sleep with your head elevated, gravity helps to keep the blood from pooling in the extraction site. As a result, you are less likely to experience excessive bleeding or swelling.

Additionally, keeping your head elevated can help to prevent dry sockets. This is a condition that can occur when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is dislodged. Dry sockets are painful and can delay the healing process. By sleeping with your head elevated, you can help to ensure that the blood clot remains in place, promoting healing and minimizing discomfort.

Which Pain Medication to Take Before Sleep?

It’s important to choose the right pain medication after having a tooth extracted. If the pain is not too bad, over-the-counter ibuprofen may be enough. However, if the pain is more severe, you may need prescription-strength medication. It should help you treat the area, and allow falling asleep easily.

The most common choice is an opioid, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. These medications can be effective at relieving pain, but they can also cause drowsiness and slow reaction times. As a result, it’s important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking them. If you plan to take an opioid, it’s best to do so before going to bed so that you can sleep through the night without any major disruptions.