Your menstrual cycle can affect your likelihood of postoperative nausea and vomiting. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Women who take oral contraceptive pills are more likely to have postoperative nausea and vomiting on days 9-15 of their cycle. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Also remember that you should not drink alcohol, soda, coffee, or hot beverages the first few days after surgery. [7] X Research source
Be sure to rinse extra-gently on the first day after surgery. Use only the salt water rinse to clean your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. Wait until your doctor recommends to start using a toothbrush again (usually safe by the second day). [12] X Research source
After 24 to 72 hours, ice may continue to help ease the pain, but will be useless in prevention of swelling. [15] X Research source If you don’t have tools for an ice pack, use a bag of frozen vegetables. When enough time has passed, according to the guidelines given to you by your dental surgeon, apply a heating pad to your cheeks. Your body’s natural response will cause additional swelling if the ice pack is reapplied.
Make sure to take painkillers as soon as you leave the dental clinic. Take them with a small meal to prevent nausea and vomiting. You may still be numb from the anesthetic, and you may think that you don’t need painkillers. However, when the anesthetic wears off, you may find yourself experiencing a high degree of discomfort. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. The anesthetic along with your pain medication can make these activities hazardous. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different pain medication that doesn’t make you sick. [21] X Research source
