After having your wisdom teeth removed, you might expect some pain and swelling in your mouth, but what if you develop a sore throat?
Many patients experience throat discomfort after the procedure, making it painful to swallow or speak. In this article, we will explain why this happens, how long it lasts, and the best ways to treat it.
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Why Throat Hurts After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
A sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is quite common and can be caused by:
- Swelling and inflammation – The surgical procedure can cause swelling in the surrounding tissues, including the throat area.
- Irritation from the procedure – The tools used during extraction, as well as prolonged mouth opening, can strain throat muscles.
- Post-surgical dryness – Breathing through the mouth due to swelling can lead to dryness and irritation in the throat.
- Bacterial presence – As the body heals, bacteria in the mouth may contribute to mild throat irritation.
Why does it hurt to swallow?
The pain when swallowing is mainly due to the swelling and inflammation that spread to the throat muscles and surrounding tissues.
Since the wisdom teeth are located near the throat, any swelling in the area can cause discomfort, especially when eating or drinking.
How long does a sore throat last?
A sore throat after wisdom teeth removal typically lasts two to three days, though it may persist for up to a week in some cases. The discomfort should gradually improve as the swelling goes down.
If your sore throat worsens after a few days or is accompanied by fever, excessive swelling, or pus, you should contact your dentist, as it could indicate an infection.
Are swollen lymph nodes after removal normal?
Yes, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck are normal after wisdom teeth extraction. This is part of the body’s natural immune response to healing. The lymph nodes help fight potential infections and usually return to normal size within a few days.
How to Treat a Sore Throat from Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you have a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal, here are some ways to relieve the discomfort:
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to keep your throat moist and reduce irritation.
- Gargle with warm salt water – This helps reduce swelling and prevent infection.
- Use a humidifier – Keeping the air moist can prevent further dryness and throat irritation.
- Drink soothing liquids – Warm tea with honey or lukewarm soups can help ease the pain.
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods – These can irritate the throat and delay healing.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Rest your voice – Talking too much can strain your throat, so try to limit unnecessary speech.
Take Care of Your Dental Health and Speed Up Healing
At Somos Dental, we provide affordable dental care without the need for insurance and offer flexible payment plans to ensure you get the treatment you need.
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Experiencing a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is normal and usually temporary. The discomfort should subside within a few days as your body heals. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your dentist to rule out complications.
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