Dental health is an important aspect of overall well-being. Tooth decay and infection can lead to severe health issues if not addressed promptly. One common procedure to alleviate tooth infection is extraction, which involves removing the infected tooth completely from its socket. While this procedure is usually routine, some patients report experiencing weight loss after their infected tooth extraction. This article explores the possibility of weight loss after infected tooth extraction, and what to and not to eat after the procedure.
Tooth infection causes inflammation in the affected area, which, in turn, triggers the body’s immune response. The body responds to inflammation by releasing cytokines, which signal the brain to increase the production of certain hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol, the stress hormone, helps the body deal with stress by mobilizing energy from fat stores. However, prolonged cortisol production due to chronic inflammation can lead to weight loss, as the body uses up more energy than it takes in.
Furthermore, tooth infections can cause pain, which can make it difficult for patients to eat, especially solid foods. Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain, making chewing, biting, and swallowing difficult. As a result, people may opt for softer foods, which are less filling and do not provide sufficient calories. This, combined with the body’s response to inflammation, can lead to weight loss.
Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, which can induce nausea and vomiting in some patients. Nausea and vomiting can cause patients to avoid food and reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss. In addition, tooth extraction may require a soft or liquid diet during the healing process, which can limit food options and reduce calorie intake.
Moreover, tooth extraction can cause pain and discomfort, which can reduce appetite and cause patients to avoid eating. Pain may persist for several days or even a week after the procedure, which can prolong the period of reduced calorie intake. As a result, patients may lose weight during the healing process.
Some people might ask if wisdom teeth extraction will make their face slimmer (or at least make it appear as so). The definite answer here is, of course, it does not. However, with that said, there might be a few noticeable changes to your face and jaw area that will make it look like your face is slimming down.
Because getting a wisdom tooth removed can cause minor pain or discomfort, eating can be hard immediately after extraction. As a result, a patient’s appetite can be impacted, and they may eat less or avoid eating solid food sometime after the procedure. This can cause weight loss in a lot of people. And since the face is one of the more visible areas where slimming occurs, this could be a reason why some would attribute their face slimming down as a side effect of wisdom tooth extraction.
Like every other dental procedure, wisdom tooth extraction also causes noticeable swelling in the jaw area. The swelling can persist for weeks. Because the face looks thinner after the swelling, this might also be why people attribute their face slimming down to tooth extraction.
Sometimes, the face looking slimmer can be due to aging. For example, the soft tissues around the chin and jaw shrink a small amount as we age, and some people might mistakenly think that the wisdom tooth extraction caused it.
Your approach to eating is just as important as the types of foods you eat. It’s advisable to only chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the treated area. Since you’ll likely be consuming more liquids than solids initially, it may be tempting to use a drinking straw. This isn’t advisable because the suction of the straw can dislodge the blood clot and lengthen your total healing time.
You should consume only soft foods and liquids for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction. You can ease into a more normal diet when you feel comfortable doing so. Try to stick with easy-to-chew foods for a few days. Initially, choose cool foods like yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, and ice cream. If you choose ice cream, select a variety that does not contain crunchy or chewy candy pieces and avoid ice cream cones. Applesauce is a good choice after your tooth extraction because it will add some fiber to your diet. After the first day, you might try mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, and broth-based soups without large chunks of meat. Eat these foods lukewarm, not hot.
Generally, tooth extraction patients are advised not to consume alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours following oral surgery. If you take powerful pain medications, avoid consuming alcohol until you’re no longer on the medicines. For about a week, it’s best to avoid eating hard, crunchy, chewy, or brittle foods like chips, nuts, and popcorn. You might also find it difficult to properly chew tough cuts of meat. Instead, try getting your protein from dairy products.
As we mentioned, you’ll be advised to drink liquids and eat soft foods that are easy to swallow. Soups, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and mashed bananas are ideal. If you don’t normally eat these foods and choose them instead of high-caloric options, you may lose some weight. Most of these foods are high in water content and low in calories, making them ideal for weight loss.
Tooth extraction may also cause you to lose your appetite and lead to weight loss. This is particularly true if you experience some pain and simply focus on relaxation and recovery.
Remember that while you may shed some pounds after a tooth extraction, you won’t completely change your body. If weight loss is your goal, a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine are your best bets. While a tooth extraction can improve your oral health, it’s not a weight loss solution. Therefore, you shouldn’t count on it to lose weight. Also, too much weight loss in a short time is unhealthy, so consult your dentist if you experience it. Many dental clinics have reported that several people have been asking about weight loss, so this is a hot topic.
Infected tooth extraction and weight loss are connected via the multifaceted effects of infection, inflammation, and pain. The body’s natural response to inflammation, the pain caused by a tooth infection, and the aftermath of the procedure can all result in reduced calorie intake and weight loss. While weight loss after infected tooth extraction may be beneficial for some patients, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and ensure proper nutrition during the healing process.
If you experience weight loss after tooth extraction or have concerns about your dental health, consult a dentist or a medical professional. Your doctor can guide you through recovery and recommend a diet that meets your nutritional needs. You can recover from tooth extraction and improve your overall health and well-being with proper care. Casey Dentists in Townsville, QLD can help with your issues, call them by clicking on the link.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6555351/
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Tooth-Extraction-Risks.aspx
https://dental.washington.edu/wp-content/media/oral-surgery/Afteryouroralsurgery.pdf
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