Operations are painful – period. However, when you need work done on your mouth, it could be a bit more uncomfortable than usual. We use our mouths every day to talk and eat, and after surgery, it may be tough to do one or both of these things. It’s completely normal to feel pain and discomfort for hours if not days after oral surgery. Nevertheless, there are actions you should avoid and should take in order to minimize the aching. We’ve compiled a few tips for you to practice if you ever find yourself going under the knife. Take a look.

What you should do

Before your surgery:

• Make sure you take any documents of medical history your doctor may need.
• Tell your surgeon about any medications or supplements you may be taking.
• If you will need to be put under general anesthesia, make sure you have a friend or relative available to take you home after your surgery.
• Ask the doctor what kind of medications you will need to take post-surgery. Have a friend or relative pick up the prescription for you during the surgery so you have it readily available for you once the procedure is over.

After your surgery:

• If you have any medicine prescribed by your doctor, make sure you take it exactly as instructed.
• Take your time and rest. Relaxing is the fastest way for you to recover from your surgery.
• Consume food and beverages that your doctor recommends (hot or cold). Chances are that you will need to stick to soft foods to minimize chewing or any irritation within the mouth. Be patient and follow your doctor’s orders.
• Use ice packs if your mouth is swollen. The coldness of the ice pack will minimize the inflammation faster.
• If you are bleeding, have gauze handy. You don’t want to put paper towels or items that will decompose easily with your oral fluids in your mouth. Gauze is your best bet to soak up the blood you may have as a result of your surgery.

What you shouldn’t do

• Do not take more medication than advised.
• Stay away from alcohol while you’re taking medication. The alcohol will limit the effects of the medication and may make post-surgery more painful for you.
• Stay home! You should not be driving while you are in severe pain from surgery. As stated above, take the time to relax. Depending on the severity of your surgery, you can be out of commission anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Check with your doctor to get an appropriate estimate of time it will take you to recover.
• Try not to exercise. Minimizing extreme physical activity will allow your body to transmit energy to places that need it most – in this case, your mouth.