Wisdom tooth extraction surgery isn’t easy, but it’s something that many people have to go through. The American Dental Association lists several reasons why you might need your wisdom teeth removed, including pain, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, cysts, and more. Your dentist is likely to advise you to have those suckers extracted at some point.
People are drinking a lot of Pineapple Juice Before Wisdom Teeth in the hopes that it will lessen pain and inflammation post-op, according to one TikTok hack.
It’s unclear when this started, however, there are a couple of TikTok videos featuring people who tried this hack. The trend is scientifically supported, but drinking large amounts of pineapple juice, particularly before actually surgery, is not without health risks.
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What exactly is wisdom tooth surgery?
According to the Mayo Clinic, wisdom tooth surgery, also known as wisdom dental surgery, is when your dentist and oral surgeon take away your wisdom teeth, which have been steadily for the past permanent teeth to emerge in your mouth. The surgery’s goal is to help prevent any injuries such as tooth decay, infection, and pain that can occur if those teeth are left in place.
The procedure will be sedative, and your doctor will start making an incision in your gums to reveal the tooth as well as bone, remove the bone that is blocking access to the tooth root, stitch the wound closed, remove the tooth, as well as place gauze in the area, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What role does pineapple juice play in this?
TikTok users claim that pineapple includes an anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain. People believe that drinking a lot of Pineapple Juice Before Wisdom Teeth help to reduce inflammation and pain after surgery.
Scientists, assume it or not, have investigated this. One small study published in 2014 compared the results of patients who received 150 milligrams of bromelain per day for 3 days after wisdom tooth reduction surgery, as well as 100 milligrams on days four through 7, to those who received a placebo. The researchers concluded there were “no substantial differences” between the groups, but that there was “a trend towards less inflammation and managed to improve oral aperture in the group that received bromelain.
Is there any danger in trying Pineapple Juice Before Wisdom Teeth?
Whereas drinking pineapple juice is generally safe, there are a few things that can go wrong. One is that TikTok users recommend drinking 64 ounces of pineapple juice—a lot. “I’d be more worried about the glycemic effect of drinking a lot of fruit juice hindering the process of healing,” a TikTok user says.
That is, your body must quickly process a large amount of sugar in the juice, but you may experience severe energy spikes but also crashes as a result… and feel awful in the process. There’s also the chance of digestive discomfort. Stomach aches, heartburn, diarrhea…all of these are possibilities.
Those who attempted the trend drank a lot of juice to make certain that they saw results. However, excessive sugar consumption may have unexpected effects on your dental health as well as your digestive system.
“Just a friendly reminder Pineapples are an acidic fruit with a high sugar content, so swish them around in your mouth after eating them.”
If you don’t pursue good oral care, the sugary juice could cause havoc on your barrier-protection tooth enamel. Wait 30 minutes before actually brushing your teeth, just as you should after having consumed any acidic foods or beverages.
Acidic pineapple juice and a common allergen can also frustrate sensitive stomachs.
It’s also critical to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding drinking Pineapple Juice Before Wisdom Teeth. @mack attack323 said in a follow-up video that she did drink her juice around 8 p.m. the night before surgery because she wasn’t meant to eat and drink after midnight.
What else can individuals do to improve their chances of recovery?
Many dentists recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Motrin as well as Aleve to dramatically lessen swelling after your surgery. That also works pretty well for pain. If you can ease the symptoms, you’ll probably be able to reduce the pain.”
Putting ice on the side of the face can also help with swelling and pain, adds that salt water and hydrogen peroxide gargles also can help with swelling, but they should not be swallowed.
The bottom line
So, if you still need your wisdom teeth extracted and would like to try the pineapple juice hack, go ahead. But, if you don’t want to risk acid burns, excessive sugar consumption, and possible indigestion, I recommend treating your post-surgery inflammation and pain the old-fashioned way: with drugs.