From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to enjoy during the holiday season. However, if you have oral surgery coming up, or you’ve just undergone treatment, it’s important to know what to do to ensure proper recovery while making the most of the festivities. Keep reading to learn several important tips to help you heal during the holidays.
Get Plenty of Rest
Resting is one of the most important parts of your recovery, so you’ll want to be doing plenty of it. Whenever you aren’t sleeping, you’ll simply want to go easy and avoid doing any strenuous activities, such as playing sports. Instead, you can enjoy other festivities like watching holiday movie classics with the family. If you plan on traveling, consult your dentist about it, as flying one or two days after your appointment isn’t recommended.
Eat Softer Foods
During your recovery, you won’t want to disturb the surgical site. That’s why you’ll typically have to pass on certain holiday staples, such as popcorn and pecan pie. The good news is that there are plenty of other options that are soft and easier for you to chew without interfering with your healing. These can include pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soft meats.
Stick to Sipping Water
While water might not be as exciting to drink as hot cocoa or eggnog, it is one of the best options for post-op care. Not only will it keep your mouth moist, but it’s also sugar-free and can prevent food debris and bacteria from accumulating. Make sure to avoid sugary and acidic beverages like soda and energy drinks while you recover, at least until your dentist says you’re good to go.
Keep Up With Your Oral Hygiene
Even if you’re having fun with holiday events, you don’t want to forget to take care of your smile, especially after oral surgery. Remember to follow your dentist’s post-op guidelines and clean your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and after meals. You’ll also need to avoid poor oral habits like chewing on ice, using your teeth for opening packages, and smoking, as these can disrupt your healing.
Have Your Essentials Nearby
Be sure to keep your essentials on hand while recovering from oral surgery, such as over-the-counter/prescribed painkillers and a cold compress. These will be incredibly helpful to keep you comfortable and pain-free so you can enjoy your time with your family. If you’ve gone out of town and forgot to bring your essentials, you can simply rinse your mouth with salt water to help disinfect your smile and prevent infection.
Recovering from oral surgery is important, but it shouldn’t get in the way of your holiday festivities. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to create wonderful memories with loved ones without much hassle!
About the Author
Dr. Naimi always wanted the opportunity to provide life-changing treatments for people in need. Not only is he a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, but he’s also received extensive training in full arch rehabilitation, facial rejuvenation, anesthesia, and more. If you’d like to know more about navigating the holidays while recovering from oral surgery, visit our website or give us a call at 703-912-0052.