Introduction
Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind. However, following a tooth extraction, patients may be reluctant to resume their fitness routines. It is essential to understand how exercise can impact recovery after surgery and when it is safe to resume physical activity.
In this article, we will explore whether it is safe to exercise one week after tooth extraction. We will also provide valuable information on how to safely return to exercise after extraction.
A Guide to Post-Extraction Exercise: What You Need to Know About Recovery Time
After tooth extraction, the gum tissue and bone require time to heal adequately. Typically, it takes seven to fourteen days to recover from tooth extraction. The exact timeframe of recovery depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, health history and oral hygiene.
If you have undergone tooth extraction, it is vital not to rush into exercising before you are fully healed. Failure to wait for the recommended recovery time can cause pain, bleeding and swelling, which can result in delayed healing.
The Dos and Don’ts of Exercising After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it is essential to avoid activities that may impact your recovery adversely. The following are the recommended dos and don’ts for exercising after tooth extraction:
dos
- Light stretching exercises to prevent stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
- Low-intensity aerobic exercises such as walking or yoga to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Exercises that do not involve bending down or heavy lifting that may cause bleeding or swelling.
don’ts
- High-intensity workouts such as running, weightlifting or spin classes which may increase blood pressure and cause bleeding.
- Exercises that involve the upper body, such as push-ups or weightlifting as they may put pressure on the jaw and cause discomfort.
- Activities that may cause facial trauma such as football, basketball or any contact sports.
Even with light exercise, it is essential to listen to your body to avoid overexertion. If you feel discomfort, pain or bleeding after exercising, stop the activity immediately and rest.
Can You Exercise After Tooth Extraction? Here’s What You Need to Know
The answer to whether you can exercise after tooth extraction is not straightforward. While light activity is recommended during recovery, doctors and dentists disagree on when it is safe to resume regular physical activity.
Some doctors advise waiting for two weeks after tooth extraction while others permit light exercise after one week. The best course of action is to consult your dental healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow their recommendation closely.
Get Moving: Tips for Safe Exercise After a Tooth Extraction
If you are considering returning to exercise after tooth extraction, the following tips will help you do it safely:
Start Low and Slow
The key to safely returning to exercise is to start gradually, light and slow. If you’re unsure about how much to do, start with just ten minutes of low-intensity exercise such as walking and then gradually work your way up.
Avoid High-Impact Exercises
Avoid high-intensity workouts and activities that could cause facial trauma such as contact sports, pull-ups or weightlifting. Focus on exercises that promote circulation and recovery, such as low-cardio exercises.
Be Aware of Your Body
Pay close attention to your body’s signals and respond appropriately. Any pain or bleeding signifies that you should stop immediately and rest. If you continue to experience discomfort, consult your dental healthcare provider.
Get Plenty of Rest
It is essential not to push yourself too hard, especially during recovery. Get enough sleep and rest to promote healing and avoid overexertion.
Exercise and Tooth Extraction: How Soon is Too Soon?
It is essential to avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity too soon after tooth extraction as it may result in complications. Light exercise such as stretching or walking may promote recovery. Still, it is recommended to wait at least a week before resuming your workouts.
Resuming exercise too early can cause bleeding or swelling, which can delay the healing process. Therefore, it is essential to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, especially during the first few weeks after the surgery.
Regaining Your Fitness Post-Surgery: When to Start Exercising After Tooth Extraction
As we have seen, it is best to consult your dental healthcare provider regarding when to safely resume exercise after surgery. They will have the knowledge and expertise to assess your specific case and provide personalized recommendations.
However, as a general rule, light stretching and walking may be started seven days post-surgery. Higher levels of activities with significant resistance or intensity should wait until weeks two to four.
Conclusion
After undergoing tooth extraction, taking care of your body and promoting adequate recovery is crucial to achieving positive surgical outcomes. Light exercise during recovery can help promote circulation but engaging in activities too early can have adverse consequences.
It is essential to consult your dental healthcare provider regarding when to resume exercise safely. Following their specific recommendations, starting low and slow, and being aware of your body’s signals are the keys to safely return to your fitness routine.
