How to Control Diarrhea After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. A variety of complications can occur as a result of the wisdom teeth overcrowding, including infection, impaction and cysts. Extraction of the wisdom teeth is required to rectify these problems. Antibiotics, which are often administered prophylactically to prevent infection of the wounds created from tooth removal, have the potential to cause diarrhea. It is important to manage diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Eat the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, plain rice, applesauce and plain toast. Consuming foods that are easy to digest and high in carbohydrates, such as those on the BRAT diet, decreases the stress on your digestive tract and allows your body to more rapidly recover from your diarrhea. Dark toast is dry and scratchy, so eat only lightly toasted bread to avoid irritating your exposed gums.
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Avoid eating fatty foods, foods high in fiber and dairy products until you have been free of diarrhea for at least three days. Consuming these foods can aggravate your diarrhea. Foods to avoid include fried foods, fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt and ice cream.
Drink sugar-free sports drinks to replace the electrolytes and fluid your body loses during its bout of diarrhea. Soup and broth are also suitable fluids to drink and may be more soothing to your sore mouth 23. Do not drink through a straw, as this can prevent your wounds from forming clots.
Tips
Follow your doctor's instructions on what you can and cannot eat after a wisdom tooth extraction.
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Writer Bio
Leigh Wittman has been writing professionally since 2007. She writes primarily on health, career advice, outdoor pursuits and travel for various websites. Wittman is a licensed nurse and studied nursing at Arizona State University.