Sore Throat After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Treatment & What to Do

Key takeaways:

• Experiencing a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is common and typically not a cause for concern.
• Most sore throats following wisdom teeth removal procedures are temporary and respond well to at-home care.
• If a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal lasts for more than a week, consult a healthcare professional.

Removing wisdom teeth is a common preventive measure used to avoid future oral health issues. Many people experience side effects after wisdom teeth removal, including a sore throat. Swelling, pain, jaw stiffness, and dry mouth are also common. A sore throat may be caused by brushing or rinsing your mouth too early after the procedure, smoking, or irritation from stitches. To alleviate a sore throat, allow adequate time for healing, avoid strenuous activities, consume soft foods, and stay hydrated.

Complications from wisdom teeth removal surgery are rare, but you should contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Understanding the causes of a sore throat before the procedure can help manage and relieve the discomfort.

Is it normal to have a sore throat after wisdom teeth extraction?

It's common to experience a sore throat after removing your wisdom teeth. Our mouths and throats are highly sensitive, so any procedure involving our teeth can impact surrounding tissues, other teeth, our tongue, and even our ability to swallow food or drink. However, a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal is usually not a cause for concern and is rarely a sign of a more serious problem.

How a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal typically lasts

After removing your wisdom teeth, taking good care of yourself is crucial. Following doctor instructions can help minimize discomfort, such as a sore throat. It's normal to experience a sore throat for up to 5 to 7 days, but in most cases, it will improve within the first 72 hours.

Causes of a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

Pain commonly occurs after surgical procedures, such as sore throats following wisdom teeth extraction. Sore throats can have various causes, but it's crucial to understand that they are often a normal part of the healing process. Knowing the potential causes of a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal can help you choose the best treatment for relief.

Jaw muscle soreness

When the dentist keeps your mouth open to remove wisdom teeth, your jaw muscles are temporarily overworked. Because the muscles are stretched, you may feel pain or soreness, and removing your wisdom teeth can irritate the adjacent areas of your mouth and throat.

Throat dryness

During the removal of your wisdom teeth, your mouth is kept open longer than usual, leading to dryness in your throat. The medications and equipment the doctor uses during the procedure can also cause dryness in your throat. You may also experience swelling and soreness in your lips and gums.

Post-dental extraction inflammation

After having your wisdom teeth removed, it's common for inflammation to occur as part of the healing process. This may lead to a sore throat, but it doesn't always mean there's an infection. If you experience symptoms such as pain, redness, a foul odor, and a sore throat, your doctor might diagnose you with alveolitis. Alveolitis, commonly known as dry socket, occurs when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction dislodges prematurely before the area has healed. In these situations, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or carry out a simple procedure in the office to alleviate your discomfort.

Swelling after removing wisdom teeth

Swelling after removing wisdom teeth is a normal part of the body's inflammatory response. It may also cause redness and pain, like a sore throat. The swelling typically improves as the sore throat diminishes.

When to see a doctor or dentist about a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

Experiencing a sore throat after having your wisdom teeth removed can be normal. However, any signs of excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or high fever should be reported to your doctor immediately.

You may be at higher risk for complications if:

• You smoke
• Use birth control pills
• Don’t follow the doctor’s instructions
• Have had a previous dental infection around the same area of your wisdom teeth

You should see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• Intense pain, which may mean you have a dry socket (exposed bone and nerves)
• Excessive bleeding or foul-smelling drainage
• Increased swelling in the mouth, jaw, or neck
• Lasting numbness or loss of feeling in the mouth, jaw, or neck
• Excessive blood or pus from mouth or nose

You should go to the emergency room if you have the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Noisy breathing and worsening hoarseness
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Neck swelling and pain
• High fever that does not respond to medicines
• Difficulty swallowing or coughing

Questions to ask a doctor about a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

• How long should I expect my sore throat to last?
• How can I alleviate my sore throat symptoms?
• What foods and drinks should I consume post-surgery, and what should I avoid?
• How should I care for my mouth after removing my wisdom teeth to help my sore throat heal? Can I brush my teeth?

How to soothe a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

There are many ways to soothe a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal, most of which you can do on your own at home.

Rest

Getting enough rest and avoiding vigorous exercise or sports. This may prevent healing by causing the blood clot to come out of the tooth sockets.

Stay hydrated

Drinking warm or cold liquids can help you stay hydrated. Ice pops or popsicles can also be beneficial. However, it is best to avoid ice cream on the first day after surgery, as it may thicken your saliva and make swallowing more difficult.

Salt water gargles

Warm salt water gargles can offer surprising relief. Mix about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of table salt in a cup of water. Avoid using harsh mouthwashes or hydrogen peroxide unless directed by your doctor. Some doctors recommend adding baking soda to your saltwater gargles for additional benefits.

Humidifier

After your wisdom teeth are removed, your throat may feel dry. Using a humidifier can help reduce or eliminate the sore throat caused by this dryness. A hot shower is one effective way to increase humidity and soothe your sore throat.

Pain relievers

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and Tylenol can help alleviate pain, soothe a sore throat, and reduce fever. Your doctor might also suggest using benzocaine, an over-the-counter numbing agent. Follow the directions on the box about dosing and frequency. Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor explicitly advises it, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Lozenges or hard candies

Lozenges and hard candies will keep your throat moist and reduce soreness. Your doctor may suggest specific ones that are sugarless or contain soothing medication.

Avoid potential irritants

As your sore throat and mouth heal, it’s important to avoid consuming anything that might cause unnecessary irritation, such as:

• Smoking, including vaping
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Acid-containing juices such as orange, grapefruit, or lemon
• Spicy foods or tomatoes

Frequently asked questions: sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

While a sore throat that comes on after wisdom teeth removal typically resolves within a few days, it’s normal to be curious about what you can do to speed up the recovery process. Here are some answers to top questions that might provide some more guidance.

What if my throat is sore 1+ weeks after my wisdom teeth extraction?

A sore throat lasting over a week may suggest improper healing or an infection. If you’re experiencing sore throat symptoms more than a week after your wisdom teeth extraction, reach out to your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Can you prevent a sore throat from occurring after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Prevention starts with staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest. You should avoid irritants like tobacco and alcohol. However, some throat soreness may be unavoidable after wisdom teeth removal.

Managing a sore throat after wisdom teeth removal

A sore throat is a common occurrence following the removal of wisdom teeth. Home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and guidance from your doctor can aid in your recovery after the procedure. While some soreness can be normal, excessive or severe pain, heavy bleeding, and high fever are not. If you experience symptoms like these, immediately discuss with your doctor or go to the emergency department. No matter what, make sure to express any concerns to your doctor and don't hesitate to ask questions.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

Dodson, TB, and Susarla, SM. “Impacted wisdom teeth.” BMJ Clinical Evidence, vol. 2014, no. 1302, 29 Aug. 2014, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4148832/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

Rakhshan, V. “Common risk factors for postoperative pain following the extraction of wisdom teeth.” Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 59-65, 23 Apr. 2015, https://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2015.41.2.59. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.