If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed, you may have noticed an annoying, painful side effect: accidentally biting your cheek. It’s more common than you might think, especially when the numbness from the anesthesia still lingers, or if swelling is making it harder to control your mouth movements. The good news? There are ways to avoid this discomfort and help your mouth heal properly. Let’s explore some practical tips on how to stop biting your cheek after wisdom teeth removal, so you can feel better and get back to your normal routine faster.
Why Do You Keep Biting Your Cheek After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After having your wisdom teeth pulled, your mouth goes through quite a lot. You’ve got swelling, anesthesia wearing off, and a healing wound to contend with. These factors can mess with your ability to gauge where your teeth are, which leads to unintentional cheek biting. It can be especially tricky because, in some cases, the numbness might linger for a few hours or even a couple of days, leaving you unaware of your mouth’s movements. So why does this happen?
- Numbness: After the procedure, local anesthesia can leave parts of your mouth (especially your cheek) feeling numb, making it hard to gauge how much pressure you’re using.
- Swelling: The tissues around your gums and cheeks may be swollen, leading to a misalignment of your bite. This can result in a higher risk of accidental cheek bites.
- Sore Mouth: If your mouth is sore from the extraction, you might be chewing more carefully, but that can sometimes lead to misdirected bites.
If you’ve ever bitten your cheek right after surgery, you’re definitely not alone. But don’t worry—there are ways to ease the discomfort and prevent it from happening again.
What Can You Do to Stop Biting Your Cheek?
1. Be Careful with Chewing
One of the simplest ways to avoid biting your cheek is to be mindful of how you chew. For the first few days after surgery, it’s crucial to chew on the opposite side of your mouth, especially if that’s where the surgery was performed. This takes some planning but can save you a lot of pain later.
Tips for mindful chewing:
- Chew slowly: Take your time eating, and pay attention to how your mouth feels as you chew.
- Eat soft foods: Mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and soft fruits can be easier on your healing mouth and will reduce the risk of accidental bites.
- Small bites: Smaller pieces of food are easier to manage and less likely to lead to cheek injuries.
By chewing thoughtfully, you give your mouth the best chance to heal without further discomfort.
2. Use Dental Wax for Protection
A quick and easy fix is orthodontic wax. It’s available over the counter, and it can be a real lifesaver if you’re worried about sharp edges on your teeth or biting your cheek. Simply take a small piece of wax and roll it between your fingers, then press it over the areas where your teeth are most likely to make contact with your cheek. This little barrier helps protect your sensitive tissues from unwanted pressure.
Advantages of using wax:
- Easy to apply: Just a few seconds, and you’re good to go.
- Temporary relief: Perfect for the short term while your mouth heals.
- Comfortable: It adds a cushion against sharp teeth edges that can irritate the inside of your mouth.
This is a simple, effective way to give your cheek some relief during the first few days of healing.
3. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions on Swelling and Pain Relief
Don’t skip the pain medications and advice your dentist gives you. Swelling can make the tissues around your gums and cheeks more sensitive, which increases your risk of accidentally biting your cheek. Anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) and ice packs are essential in reducing swelling and helping you heal comfortably.
How to manage swelling:
- Ice packs: Apply an ice pack on your cheek for 15-20 minutes every couple of hours for the first 48 hours.
- Medication: Take prescribed painkillers as directed, but avoid any medications that can cause drowsiness or impair your coordination.
By keeping the swelling in check, you’ll be able to feel more in control of your mouth movements, and your healing will be quicker.
4. Protect Your Cheek with a Dental Guard
A dental guard, especially one custom-made for you, can provide more long-term protection if cheek biting becomes a chronic problem. While this is more of a proactive solution, it’s a good one if you know you’re prone to clenching your teeth or struggling with cheek bites post-surgery.
Dental guards are especially helpful if you’re still feeling a bit numb or if your bite feels off. They act as a protective barrier between your teeth and cheek.
When should you consider a dental guard?:
- If you’re having trouble with cheek biting on a regular basis.
- If you tend to grind your teeth at night or during stress.
- If your dentist suggests one for extra protection during recovery.
5. Time and Patience: The Key to Recovery
Remember, healing after wisdom teeth removal takes time. The swelling will gradually go down, and the numbness will fade, making it easier to gauge your bite and prevent future injuries. In the meantime, it’s important to be patient with yourself and give your body the necessary time to recover.
Conclusion
While biting your cheek after wisdom teeth removal is a frustrating issue, it’s one that can be managed with a bit of attention and care. By following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, using tools like orthodontic wax or dental guards, and practicing mindful eating, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing this painful setback. Most importantly, remember that your body needs time to heal. With a little patience, your mouth will return to normal, and you’ll feel much more comfortable in the process.
FAQs
1. How long will the numbness last after wisdom teeth removal?
Numbness can last for several hours after the surgery, but it usually wears off within 1-2 days. However, the full sensation in your cheek may take a week or more to return.
2. What should I do if I accidentally bite my cheek?
If you bite your cheek, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to reduce the risk of infection. You can also apply some ice to the affected area for relief.
3. Is orthodontic wax safe to use after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, orthodontic wax is completely safe to use and can provide temporary protection against accidental cheek bites.
4. How long will it take to fully recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal in about 1-2 weeks, though it can take up to a month for the full healing process.
5. Can nerve damage from wisdom teeth removal cause cheek biting?
In rare cases, nerve damage can affect sensation, leading to issues with cheek biting. If numbness persists or you experience unusual discomfort, consult your dentist.
6. Can I still eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
In the first few days, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side where your teeth were removed. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as you heal.