When can you exercise after tooth extraction? - The Wellness Nerd (2023)

So you're going to have a tooth removed - there are probably a few things you've thought of. Will it hurt? What can you eat afterwards? Will you look like a squirrel for days? I can't answer these - but if 'can you exercise after tooth extraction?' is also on your list of questions, here's what you need to know...

The very short answer to the question of whether it's okay to exercise after a tooth extraction is no, not right away — but to the nitty-gritty of how long it takes you to get off the ground — and why. Along with details on how fast you can run or do yoga after a tooth extraction, I spoke to general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Zainab Al-Mukhtar who magically works her teeth in (including some removed). Harrow On The Hill Dental & Estética Facial in Middlesex.

Why you can't play sports after tooth extraction

“After removing a tooth, a clot must form in the hole that was made within the first 24 hours. It is important that this clot stays in the socket and acts as a plug. Dislodging this clot leads to postoperative bleeding and slows healing of the socket. Exercise can cause the clot to break loose," says Dr. Al-Muchtar.

She explains that the main sport that can cause this is cardio - i.e. H. Running, cycling, aerobics, which increases blood pressure and body temperature. “But other exercises that produce these reactions can also cause problems — and that could include Bikram yoga. It can also happen when you lift heavy weights.”

dr Al Mukhtar says it's especially important to avoid any exercise for the first 24 hours after extraction.

After the first 24 hours, the clot is more stable so light exercise is less of a problem, but the first 48 hours also require some changes to your usual exercise routine.

"Keep the intensity slow and light, and avoid any exercise that increases blood pressure, body temperature, and pressure in the head and mouth," she told us.

This means that if you're planning on doing yoga after tooth extraction, you should avoid anything with an inverted pose.

And whatever you do, keep breathing. Holding your breath increases pressure in the body, which increases blood pressure.

"Light weights that don't cause a lot of effort should be fine, such as B. Walk. Range of motion exercises are good for mobilizing the body's joints etc., but avoid anything more strenuous," says Dr. Al-Muchtar. After 48 hours, listen to your body and only do what you feel capable of.

Things that lead to an excessive rise in temperature, such as going to the sauna or steam bath, should also be avoided in the first few days.

The quick guide to when you can start exercising again

First 24 hours:no exercise

When can I walk after a tooth extraction?Not for at least 48 hours.

What about walking after tooth extraction:Low-intensity walking is fine after 24 hours. Leave power walking on for at least 48 hours.

Can I do yoga after tooth extraction?Gentle "upright" yoga is acceptable after 24 hours; Poses with inversions (including downward facing dog) after 48 hours at the earliest. No Hot Yoga/Bikram for at least 48 hours.

How about Pilates?The same rules apply

Again Weights after tooth extraction:Smooth weights after 24 hours. Heavy weights only after at least 48 hours. Concentrate on your breathing. Don't hold your breath.

Is this also the case after the wisdom tooth extraction?

Wisdom teeth can be tricky suckers - some pop out easily, others, like mine, come out in about 20 tiny pieces, the really bad ones require a bit of bone cutting to remove, so it makes you wonder if the rules are different for practice after wisdom tooth removal.

"If it's a simple wisdom tooth extraction, the same recommendations as above apply," says Dr. Al-Muchtar.

“On the other hand, if surgery is required that involves making an incision in the gums and removing the bone, there is likely to be post-operative pain and a higher risk of infection. Therefore, the stability of the clot is crucial to protect the alveolus, and excessive bleeding after surgery is not good.

In this scenario, there would be points where the outlet should be closed and it generally helps reduce clot displacement. However, exercise can still cause bleeding and affect tampon quality and postoperative healing.'

If this is the case, you will need to discuss with your dentist exactly when and how you can return to exercise, as this will depend on how much surgical work has been done.

After a difficult removal of wisdom teeth, a break of about a week from strenuous exercise can often be recommended.

If that made you panic, check out this pieceSport nach Microbladingwho offers some reassuring advice on why taking a longer break doesn't mean starting over with your fitness.

Also, don't forget that after your wisdom tooth extraction, you may not be able to continue eating your normal diet, which can also limit how and when you choose to exercise.

I personally thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the couch with a glass of hummus and a spoon for a few days when mine was removed!

Dry socket - and why you don't want it

The reason why dr. Al Mukhtar goes on to talk about keeping the clot in place because it helps protect against a complication called dry socket.

This is where the clot moves, exposing the nerves and bones, and can cause severe pain (and some other complications).

A dry socket can occur after any tooth extraction, but is more common after wisdom tooth extraction (although it is still quite rare).

If you suddenly experience pain in the days following the extraction, contact your dental office for advice.

Can you exercise before your appointment?

If you're nervous about going to the dentist or just worried about getting some exercise after your teeth are pulled, hitting the gym before your dentist appointment might seem like a good idea to ease your worries, but...

"Exercising just before the appointment is also not advisable due to the rise in blood pressure and temperature, which can lead to prolonged bleeding after the extraction.

While this can be treated by the dentist, it is not ideal as we want a clot to develop as quickly as possible to minimize unnecessary blood loss and aid healing," says Dr. Al-Muchtar.

"Training a day before is not a problem, but it is not advisable to do it on the same day and certainly not just before the visit."

Can exercise affect cosmetic dentistry?

Just like dr. Al Mukhtar does toomany cosmetic works in your practice, I thought I should ask her about cosmetic dentistry too and was there a reason why you don't exercise after cosmetic dentistry?

“There is generally no problem with movement after non-invasive cosmetic dentistry.

But procedures that involve any type of gum surgery — gingival lifts, gum grafts, and even a very thorough treatment of gum disease by the hygienist or gum specialist — all require special care.

Again, I would say to minimize post-operative bleeding and related complications, you should not exercise for a day or so," she told me.

However, she adds that the main contraindications related to exercise and cosmetic dental procedures are detrimental to results. “If you play punching sports, there is a greater chance that porcelain restorations like veneers will break. Bite guards should be made for athletic contact athletes.

These sports should also be avoided afterwardsNasenkorrekturalso so as not to spoil the results!

Some people who lift weights clench their teeth too tightly, which can fracture teeth, fillings, crowns, and veneers. That's another risk factor, but again, this is a long-term problem, not something that occurs just a day or two after those dental fillings are put in.'

Oh, and if you paid for the whitening - be careful if you swim every day. Research suggests that chlorine in swimming pools can cause teeth to darken.

It doesn't matter if you just have an awkward jump, thougha study of competitive swimmerswho spent about six hours a week in the pool found that 60% of them had some type of stain on their teeth. Rinse your mouth after leaving the pool.

Some dentists also offer Botox and fillers as part of their aesthetic practice. If you plan to do any of these, be sure to check the rulesSport after botoxand exerciseafter lip injectionsor dermal fillers. Again, there are some rules that you must follow.

Beware of painkillers

The other reason you might want to delay going to the gym after having a tooth pulled, new veneers placed, or even a filling is that the painkillers and anesthetics used can bother you for a while.

"Anyone who has received sedation during a dental appointment should abstain from exercise for at least 24 hours afterward," says Dr. Al mukhtar and some pain relievers like codeine should be avoided until the effects wear off. This can be up to 12 hours later.

The local anesthetic can cause lip numbness for a few hours and I advise patients to avoid exercises with a numb lip to avoid the urge or error of unknowingly biting the lip or clenching the lip during strenuous exercise.'

Finally, be careful if you're taking over-the-counter pain relievers — especially ibuprofen.

A study by researchersin the Netherlands found that taking ibuprofen before vigorous physical activity (e.g. brisk running or cycling) temporarily damages the stomach lining, which can limit nutrient absorption or increase the risk of food poisoning in the next few hours.

So there you have all the rules for training after a tooth extraction. Now enjoy your time on the couch.

If you liked this post, there is onemany others in this series that you may want to check out here.

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Who is the wellness nerd?

My name is Helen Foster and I'm a health journalist and wellness writer. Publications I have written for include Women's Health, Reader's Digest, Body and Soul, Good Health at the Daily Mail and more. I have also written 16 books on health and nutrition.