I hope Derrick's gum is feeling better tomorrow! i was not given very restrictive instructions when i had a wisdom tooth out without suturing. i was given formal (written) instructions to avoid very hot (temperature) foods until the bleeding stopped, and to avoid spicy foods for about a week.

the dentist suggested soft foods for the first 2-3 days, and said after that just to be careful when chewing. the idea was to avoid getting anything stuck in the gum cavity (can hurt, but worse, cause infection).

i was also told i NOT to swish for... i can't remember how long, but at least 2-3 days. this is because the suction from swishing action can prevent healing/reopen the wound. i was told to brush without touching the wound, and then rinse by moving my head to irrigate the mouth without suction.

i was in fact told not to swish when i had another wisdom tooth out WITH suturing! so that is very important apparently.

boy i hope that was not confusing.

~ waves ~