Using Tea Bags After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a painful experience. The surgery itself is not too bad, but the recovery period can be pretty uncomfortable.

After wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience swelling and stiffness in the area around the extraction site for a few days. Pain is also common and can be managed by taking painkillers. 

Bleeding from the site is also common. While temporary bleeding is normal, using a tea bag can help to reduce and stop it.

This blog post will explore how tea bags can help heal and reduce inflammation after having your wisdom teeth out. We will discuss which types of teas work best for this purpose and provide tips on using tea bags properly to get the maximum benefit from them during the healing process.

What Does a Tea Bag Do For a Tooth Extraction?

Applying a wet tea bag to the extraction site can help reduce bleeding and encourage clotting in the tea due to tannic acid. The astringent properties of tannic acid draw out fluids and constrict blood vessels, ultimately leading to blood clotting.

Applying a wet tea bag can also reduce the appearance of bruising and help with healing time. While keeping the area clean by following your dentist’s instructions is important, tea bags can be used between visits to ensure a comfortable recovery.

What Kind of Tea Bag Can I Use for Wisdom Teeth?

Polyphenol compounds and tannins make green tea and black tea potent anticoagulants. A study in the Hindawi Journal found that green tea extract effectively prevented gingival bleeding after a tooth extraction, while a study in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences reported that topical use of green tea could reduce bleeding time and promote wound healing. Additionally, a study in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces Journal found that tannins could affect clotting time and clot strength of whole blood coagulation. 

How To Use A Tea Bag After Tooth Extraction

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, you may wonder how to use a tea bag after the procedure safely. Take these steps to stop bleeding and expedite your recovery process:

  1. Allow a tea bag to steep in boiling water for two or three minutes. Use only black, green, or oolong tea bags, and avoid using herbal teas as they naturally haw low tannins.
  2. Remove the tea bag and let it cool.
  3. Place the cooled tea bag on the extraction site and gently bite down.
  4. Keep it there for 5 minutes. Up to 15 if the bleeding was heavy. The pressure and the tannins help to form a blood clot in the tooth socket.

In Conclusion

Tea bags after a wisdom tooth extraction can reduce bleeding and speed up recovery. The astringent properties of tannic acid in black, green, or oolong teas help draw out fluids and constrict blood vessels at the extraction site, resulting in blood clotting.

To benefit from using tea bags for tooth extraction, follow instructions carefully by steeping them in boiling water for two or three minutes before applying them to the affected area.

With proper use of tea bags during recovery, you should soon return to feeling like yourself again!

FAQ

Do All Tea Bags Have Tannic Acid?

No. Black tea contains the most tannic acid, while oolong and green tea have lower amounts. Herbal teas generally have no tannins. However, some blends may contain small amounts. Matcha green tea has the highest level of tannins compared to other varieties.

Can I Use a Tea Bag Instead of Gauze?

A slightly dampened black tea bag can be an effective substitute if you are in a pinch and out of gauze. The tannic acid in the tea helps form blood clots, aiding in stopping minor bleeding when pressure is applied directly to the wound.

Can I Drink Tea After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Yes, you can drink tea after wisdom teeth removal, but you should avoid hot or cold teas for up to 48 hours after the procedure. Room temperature or lukewarm teas are safe to consume, with varieties such as chamomile, peppermint, and green tea being particularly beneficial due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Similar Posts