After getting your wisdom teeth out, many people want to know when they can go back to the gym. Can you gym after wisdom teeth removal? The short answer is no, not right away. You need time to heal. When is it safe? Most dentists and oral surgeons say to wait at least a few days, often longer, depending on how your wisdom teeth extraction recovery is going. Getting back to exercise after tooth extraction too soon can cause problems.
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Why You Need to Wait
Having your wisdom teeth removed is surgery. Even if it seems simple, your body needs time to heal properly. Right after the surgery, you have open wounds in your mouth. Blood clots form in these spots. These clots are very important. They protect the bone and nerves underneath and help new tissue grow.
Doing too much too soon can hurt these blood clots. This can lead to pain, bleeding, or a problem called dry socket. We will talk more about these later. Your body is also using energy to heal itself. Pushing it with hard physical activity post oral surgery can slow down this process.
The First Few Days: Rest is Key
The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery are the most important for starting your healing after wisdom teeth removal. This is when your body begins to form those important blood clots. You will likely have some pain, swelling after wisdom teeth surgery, and maybe a little bleeding after wisdom tooth removal gym.
Your Body is Working Hard
Think of your body like a building site after a big job. Everything is being put back together. This takes energy. Your body is sending blood flow to the surgery spots. It is sending cells to repair the tissue. It is fighting off any tiny germs that might try to get in.
Resting helps your body focus on these tasks. Sitting or lying down keeps your blood pressure lower than moving around or exercising. High blood pressure can make bleeding start again.
What You Can Do in the First Days
You should take it easy.
* Rest at home.
* Keep your head up, even when sleeping, using extra pillows. This helps with swelling.
* Use ice packs on your face to help with swelling.
* Eat only soft foods.
* Gently clean your mouth as your surgeon tells you.
* Take any medicine your surgeon gives you for pain or swelling.
Do not do anything that raises your heart rate or makes you breathe hard. This means no running, no lifting, no sports, and no gym visits. Even walking fast is often too much in these first few days.
Risks of Exercising Too Soon
Doing exercise after tooth extraction before your mouth has healed can cause several problems. Some are just annoying, but others can be very painful and set back your recovery.
Bleeding Can Start Again
One big risk is causing the surgery sites to bleed again. Exercise makes your heart pump faster. This increases blood flow and blood pressure. This added force can dislodge the delicate blood clots that have formed in the tooth sockets.
If a clot comes out, you will likely see fresh bleeding. It might be just a little bit, but it could be more. Bleeding can make it hard to see if things are healing well. It also means the blood clot that was protecting the area is gone.
Swelling Gets Worse
You will have swelling after wisdom teeth surgery. This is normal. It usually gets worse for a few days before it starts to go down. Exercise can make this swelling worse.
When you exercise, more blood pumps to your head and face. This extra fluid can build up in the soft tissues around the surgery site, making the swelling bigger and last longer. More swelling often means more pain and discomfort.
Risk of Dry Socket
This is one of the most painful problems that can happen after wisdom teeth removal. Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the tooth socket does not form correctly, dissolves too soon, or gets dislodged. This leaves the bone and nerves exposed to air, food, and liquid. It is very painful, usually a throbbing pain that might go up into your ear or down your neck.
Doing things that create suction in your mouth (like using a straw or smoking) or that shake up the blood clot (like hard exercise, especially jumping or running) can cause dry socket. This is why dry socket wisdom teeth exercise is a big no-no in the early healing phase. If you get dry socket, your surgeon will need to treat it, and your healing time will be much longer and more uncomfortable.
More Pain
Exercise can increase pain levels. When you are active, blood flow increases, which can put pressure on the sensitive areas around the surgery site. Also, the movement itself can bother the healing tissues. Resting helps manage pain, while activity can make it worse.
Slower Healing
Your body has a limited amount of energy. If you use that energy to work out, there is less energy available for healing. This can make your wisdom teeth extraction recovery take longer. The wounds might not close as quickly, and the bone might not fill in the socket as fast.
Gauging Your Recovery Timeline
Everyone heals a little differently. Your wisdom teeth recovery timeline exercise depends on many things:
* How many teeth were taken out.
* How difficult the surgery was (were the teeth impacted? were they easy to reach?).
* Your age and general health.
* How well you follow your surgeon’s instructions.
However, there is a general timeline you can think about. This is just a guide. Always listen to your oral surgeon. They know exactly what was done during your surgery and how you are healing.
The First 24-48 Hours: Total Rest
As we said, this is the critical time for blood clot formation. Absolutely no exercise. Rest at home. Keep your head up. Eat soft foods. Use ice packs.
Day 3 to Day 5: Light Activity Might Be Possible
Some people feel a bit better by day 3 or 4. The worst of the swelling might have peaked and started to go down a little. Pain might be more under control with medicine.
At this point, you might be able to do very light activities.
* Short, slow walks around your house.
* Sitting up for longer periods.
Your heart rate should stay low. You should not feel any throbbing or increased pain in your mouth while doing this activity. If you feel any discomfort, stop right away.
Important: Do not return to the gym yet. Do not run, jump, lift weights, or do any vigorous exercise. The risk of bleeding and dry socket is still too high.
About One Week Post-Surgery: Gradually Increasing Activity
Around day 5 to 7, many people feel much better. Swelling should be noticeably less, although it might not be completely gone. Pain should be much less, maybe managed with over-the-counter medicine or no medicine at all.
At this point, you might be able to start some light, low-impact exercise.
* Walking outdoors at a normal pace.
* Maybe a very gentle stationary bike ride, keeping the resistance low and your heart rate from rising too much.
Again, pay close attention to your body.
* If you feel throbbing in your jaw, stop.
* If you see fresh blood, stop and contact your surgeon.
* If you feel dizzy or weak, stop.
Avoid bending over with your head down. Avoid any activity that might cause you to get hit in the face or jaw. Avoid anything that requires straining or bearing down.
7 to 10 Days Post-Surgery: Getting Closer to Normal
By 7 to 10 days, the surgery sites are usually closing up well. The risk of dry socket is much lower, though still possible. Swelling should be mostly gone.
You might be able to try more moderate exercise.
* Faster walking.
* Elliptical machine at a moderate pace.
* Stationary bike at a moderate resistance.
* Maybe very light bodyweight exercises, as long as they don’t cause you to strain or lower your head below your heart for long periods.
Listen carefully to your body. If everything feels fine during and after the activity, you can slowly increase what you do.
Two Weeks Post-Surgery: Often Safe to Return
For most people, two weeks is a common timeframe for when to return to gym after wisdom teeth removal and resume most normal physical activity post oral surgery. By this time, the gum tissue over the sockets should have closed significantly. The blood clots are stable or have been replaced by new tissue.
You can usually start to get back to your normal workout routine. However, it is still wise to ease back into it. Do not go from zero to 100% effort on your first day back.
- Start with shorter workouts.
- Use lighter weights if you are lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction.
- Gradually increase intensity and duration over the next week or two.
Lifting Weights After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Specific care is needed if your exercise routine includes lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction. Lifting heavy weights can cause you to:
* Strain or bear down (like holding your breath and pushing). This increases pressure in your head and can dislodge clots or cause bleeding.
* Lower your head below your heart, especially during exercises like deadlifts or bent-over rows. This increases blood flow to the head and can cause problems.
* Stand up quickly, which can make you dizzy if your body is still recovering.
Because of this, lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction often requires a bit more caution and a potentially longer wait than simply walking or cardio.
- First 1-2 Weeks: Avoid all weightlifting.
- After 2 Weeks: You can usually start lifting again, but begin with very light weights. Focus on higher repetitions with little to no strain. Avoid exercises where your head is below your heart or that require you to hold your breath and strain.
- After 3-4 Weeks: If you have had no problems and feel completely healed, you can usually start increasing weight and intensity back to your normal levels, but still listen to your body.
Talk to your oral surgeon before you start lifting weights, especially heavy weights. They can tell you if your bone and tissue healing is far enough along to handle the strain.
Signs You Are Ready to Exercise
How do you know your wisdom teeth extraction recovery is going well enough to try exercising? Look for these signs:
- Little to no pain: You should not need strong pain medicine, or any at all.
- Swelling is almost gone: Your face should look mostly normal.
- No bleeding: You should not see any fresh blood from the surgery sites.
- You can open your mouth widely: Stiffness should be much better.
- You are eating more normally: While you might still avoid very hard or crunchy foods, you should be past the liquid and soft food stage.
- You feel rested and have energy: You should not feel weak or tired from the surgery itself.
If you still have significant pain, swelling, or any bleeding, you are not ready to exercise. Pushing through these signs can cause serious setbacks.
Signs You Are Doing Too Much
If you try to gym after wisdom teeth removal or do any other exercise and notice any of these things, stop immediately:
- Increased bleeding: Any new or increased bleeding from the surgery sites.
- Throbbing pain: A noticeable increase in pain, especially a pulsing feeling in your jaw or head. This could be a sign of increased pressure or even dry socket starting.
- Increased swelling: If your face looks more swollen after exercising.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Your body is still recovering, and exercise can affect your blood pressure and energy levels.
- Nausea: Can be a sign you are pushing too hard or that exercise is affecting your recovery.
- Feeling weak or overly tired: Exercise should make you feel better in the long run, not worse right after surgery.
If you have any concerning symptoms after exercising, especially increased bleeding or severe pain (which could be dry socket), contact your oral surgeon right away.
Tips for Returning to the Gym Safely
When your oral surgeon gives you the okay, or you feel confident based on your healing (and it’s been at least two weeks for most people), here are some tips for getting back to the gym:
Start Very Slow
Do not try to do what you did before surgery on the first day back.
* Spend less time working out.
* Lower the intensity.
* Use lighter weights or resistance.
Gradually increase the time, intensity, and weight over several days or a week.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Dehydration can affect healing and make you feel unwell. Avoid using a straw, as the suction can still pose a small risk, even later in recovery. Sip from a cup or bottle.
Breathe Normally
Avoid holding your breath or straining during lifts or intense parts of your workout. Breathe smoothly and normally. This helps keep pressure in your head from building up.
Listen to Your Body
This is the most important tip. Your body will tell you if you are doing too much. Pay attention to any pain, throbbing, discomfort, or fatigue that seems linked to the surgery sites. If something doesn’t feel right, stop. It is better to rest and wait a little longer than to cause a problem that sets you back weeks.
Choose Your Exercises Wisely (At First)
Maybe avoid exercises that put your head below your heart right away. Be cautious with exercises that involve a lot of jumping or shaking. Stick to more controlled movements like walking, cycling, or using an elliptical before trying high-impact activities or heavy lifting.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Continue following your oral surgeon’s instructions for keeping your mouth clean, even when you return to the gym. This helps prevent infection.
Consider Lighter Alternatives
If you are used to intense workouts or heavy lifting, consider lighter alternatives for a week or two. Focus on stretching, mobility, or very light cardio. This keeps you in the habit of exercising without putting your healing mouth at risk.
Potential Complications and Exercise
While most people heal well, it is good to know about potential problems and how they relate to exercise after tooth extraction.
Dry Socket
We talked about this. If you develop dry socket, you will have severe pain. Exercise will likely make this pain much, much worse. You must see your surgeon for treatment. You will not be able to exercise until the dry socket is treated and the pain is gone, which can take several more days to a week or more after treatment starts. Dry socket wisdom teeth exercise is impossible and should not be attempted.
Infection
Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, a bad taste in your mouth, or pus. Exercise can potentially worsen an infection by increasing blood flow to the area, which might spread bacteria. If you suspect an infection, do not exercise. See your surgeon immediately.
Persistent Swelling or Pain
If swelling or pain lasts longer than expected (more than 7-10 days and not getting better), it could be a sign of a problem. Exercising with unresolved swelling or pain is not a good idea and can make it worse. Talk to your surgeon.
Bleeding
Any significant or continuous bleeding after wisdom tooth removal gym activity should be a sign to stop. Apply gentle pressure with gauze and rest with your head elevated. If bleeding continues, contact your surgeon.
Summary: When to Return
Putting it all together for your wisdom teeth recovery timeline exercise:
- Days 1-5: No exercise. Rest completely. Focus on initial healing after wisdom teeth removal, managing pain and swelling after wisdom teeth surgery. Avoid anything that could dislodge blood clots or cause bleeding after wisdom tooth removal gym. The risk of dry socket wisdom teeth exercise is highest now.
- Days 5-10: Possibly very light activity like slow walking, IF you feel well and have no pain or bleeding. Still avoid gym, running, lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction.
- Days 10-14: May introduce moderate cardio like faster walking or light cycling if healing well. Still be cautious with intensity and avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activities.
- Two Weeks +: Most people can gradually return to their normal physical activity post oral surgery, including lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction. Start slow and listen to your body. Get clearance from your surgeon if you have any concerns or had a complicated surgery.
Remember, this is a general guide. Your surgeon’s advice is the most important. Your body is the best judge. Do not rush the wisdom teeth extraction recovery process. A little patience now can prevent painful problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4: Can I run after wisdom teeth removal?
Generally, no, not in the first week to 10 days. Running increases your heart rate and blood pressure significantly, which can lead to bleeding and dislodge blood clots, increasing the risk of dry socket. Most people need to wait at least two weeks before trying to run again, starting slowly.
h4: Can I do yoga after wisdom teeth removal?
Gentle, restorative yoga that does not involve inversions (head below heart), intense core work, or rapid movements might be possible after the first few days (Day 5-7), assuming you feel well. Avoid hot yoga. More vigorous yoga or poses that increase pressure in the head should be avoided for at least two weeks, similar to other moderate exercise.
h4: When can I start lifting weights again?
Avoid lifting weights after wisdom teeth extraction completely for at least two weeks. When you do start again, begin with very light weights and avoid straining. Gradually increase the weight and intensity over the following week or two, as long as you have no pain, bleeding, or swelling. Heavy lifting should wait until you are further along in your wisdom teeth recovery timeline exercise, usually 3-4 weeks for complex cases, and only with your surgeon’s approval.
h4: What if I accidentally exercised too soon?
If you did light activity and felt no pain, bleeding, or discomfort, you are probably okay. Stop the activity and rest. However, if you experience increased pain, fresh bleeding, or notice new or worse swelling, stop exercising immediately. Contact your oral surgeon, especially if you have severe pain (possible dry socket) or significant bleeding.
h4: Does dry socket prevent exercise?
Yes, absolutely. Dry socket is extremely painful. You will not feel like exercising, and attempting to would make the pain much worse and could interfere with treatment. You must wait until the dry socket is treated and the pain is gone before considering any exercise. Dry socket wisdom teeth exercise is not possible.
h4: Is walking okay after wisdom teeth removal?
Very light, slow walking around your house might be okay after the first 2-3 days if you feel up to it and have no pain. Faster walking or walking outdoors should wait until around Day 5-7 or later. Listen to your body; if it causes throbbing or discomfort, stop.
h4: How does swelling affect when I can exercise?
Significant swelling after wisdom teeth surgery is a sign that your body is still in the active healing phase. Exercising when you have notable swelling can make it worse and delay your healing after wisdom teeth removal. Wait until swelling has gone down significantly before attempting anything more than very light activity.
h4: Can exercising make my stitches come out?
Stitches (sutures) are placed to help the gums heal. While exercise itself is unlikely to make stitches just fall out if they are meant to be there, straining or significantly increasing blood pressure could put extra stress on the healing tissues where the stitches are located. The main risks are bleeding and dislodging the blood clot, not necessarily the stitches coming out directly from exercise.
h4: What is the main risk of exercising too early?
The main risks are causing the surgery site to bleed again, making swelling worse, increasing pain, and most seriously, dislodging the blood clot and causing dry socket. These problems slow down wisdom teeth extraction recovery.
h4: Can I exercise if my wisdom teeth removal was simple?
Even with a simple extraction, your body still needs time to form and protect the blood clot. While your recovery might be faster, it is still wise to avoid vigorous exercise for at least a week to 10 days to ensure the blood clot is stable and the initial healing has occurred. Listen to your surgeon’s specific advice for your case.