Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you have recently undergone wisdom teeth removal surgery, you might experience a sore throat. It is a common symptom that many patients experience and can be caused by various factors, including surgery, anaesthesia, and post-operative care. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal.

Introduction

Wisdom teeth removal surgery is a common procedure that many people undergo at some point in their lives. The surgery involves removing the third molar located at the back of your mouth. Although it is a routine procedure, it can cause discomfort and pain, including a sore throat.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, typically develop last in the set of teeth. They typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties and are located at the back of your mouth. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause problems, such as pain, infection, and overcrowding of other teeth. This is why many dentists recommend removing them.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed for the following reasons:

• Overcrowding: If your mouth is too small to accommodate the extra teeth, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and pain.
• Impacted teeth: If wisdom teeth do not fully emerge from the gum line, they can become impacted, which can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
• Gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, leading to gum disease and other oral health problems.
• Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can form cysts or tumors, which can cause damage to the jawbone and adjacent teeth.

Causes of Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

A sore throat after teeth removal can be caused by various factors, including:

• Anesthesia: The anaesthesia used during the surgery can cause irritation and dryness in your throat, leading to a sore throat.
• Intubation: If you were intubated during the surgery, it could cause irritation and inflammation in your throat, leading to a sore throat.
• Swelling: After the surgery, your throat may become swollen, which can cause discomfort and pain.
• Infection: A sore throat can sometimes be a sign of infection after wisdom teeth removal, which requires immediate medical attention.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection after wisdom tooth removal?

If you experience a sore throat after teeth removal, you may also experience the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Dryness or irritation in the throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever or chills

Treatment for Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The treatment for a sore throat after teeth removal depends on the underlying cause. Suppose the sore throat is caused by anaesthesia or intubation. In that case, it will usually resolve on its own within a few days. However, if an infection causes the sore throat, you may need antibiotics to treat the infection.

Home Remedies for Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

In addition to medical treatment, several home remedies can help alleviate a sore throat after teeth removal, such as:

• Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in your throat. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
• Drinking warm liquids: Warm tea, broth, or soup can help relieve your throat.
• Using a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help reduce dryness and irritation in your throat.
• Avoiding irritants: Try to avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods, as they can irritate your throat and make the soreness worse.

If you have fever with cough/ sore throat/ running nose or loss of smell , mask up and stay away from elderlies for a week. No one is getting themselves tested but it’s mostly covid these days . You can do a rapid antigen test at home.Treat with paracetamol, rest n hydrate.

— Dr Parul M Sharma (@DrParulSharma1) April 5, 2023

Tips for Faster Recovery

To speed up your recovery from a sore throat, you can follow these tips:

• Get plenty of rest: Resting can help your body recover faster and reduce inflammation.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your throat moist and reduce dryness and irritation.
• Use ice packs: Applying ice packs to your cheeks can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Eat soft foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups until your throat feels better.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In most cases, a sore throat after teeth removal is a common and temporary side effect that will resolve on its own within a few days. But, if you encounter the following symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention:

• Severe pain that does not improve with painkillers
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Persistent fever or chills
• Pus or discharge from the surgical site
• Bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure

FAQs

How long will my throat hurt after wisdom teeth removal?

After the wisdom teeth removal, a sore throat usually lasts a few days to a week.

Can I prevent a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal?

While preventing a sore throat is impossible, you can reduce your risk by following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions and avoiding irritants.

What can I do to relieve sore throat pain after wisdom teeth removal?

You can use over-the-counter painkillers, drink warm liquids, gargle with warm salt water, and use ice packs to relieve sore throat pain after wisdom teeth removal.

Is a sore throat a symptom of infected wisdom teeth?

A sore throat is not typically a direct symptom of infected wisdom teeth. However, an infected wisdom tooth can cause pain and inflammation in the surrounding area, possibly leading to a sore throat.

Can I eat solid foods after wisdom teeth removal?

Sticking to soft, easy-to-eat foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal is best, and gradually introducing solid foods as your mouth heals.

When can I return to work or school after wisdom teeth removal?

It depends on your recovery process, but most people can return to work or school within a few days to a week after the surgery.