Many people have their wisdom teeth removed, and the American Dental Association lists several reasons for this, such as pain, infection, damage to nearby teeth, and cysts. It’s likely your dentist might suggest removal. Remember, the surgery involves anesthesia and recovery can take a few days, so a smooth recovery is desirable.
A popular TikTok tip suggests drinking pineapple juice before surgery to reduce pain and swelling. But does it really help with wisdom teeth removal? Here’s what you need to know.
The origin of this trend is unclear, but many TikTok users share their experiences. For instance, @valeriagreenz drank 64 ounces of pineapple juice before her surgery. Afterward, she appeared with gauze in her mouth, and the next day, she was out and about with no visible swelling. She credited the juice for her smooth recovery.
Another TikTok user, Mackenzie Fuhrman, shared her experience, noting minimal pain and swelling after drinking pineapple juice. She rated her pain as very low and considered the hack a success.
While pineapple juice might help with swelling for some, it isn’t a guaranteed solution for everyone. Wisdom tooth extraction involves removing the third molars to prevent complications like decay and infection. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and recovery varies for each person.
Some TikTok users claim pineapple contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. A study published in December 2016 found that bromelain, when given with amoxicillin, reduced pain and swelling after surgery. However, another study in July 2021 found no significant difference between bromelain and a standard pain reliever.
It’s important to note that these studies used bromelain supplements, not pineapple juice. A 2021 study found fresh pineapple juice reduced pain and swelling after facial surgery, but not specifically for wisdom teeth removal.
Dr. Mark Wolff from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine explains that reactions to surgery vary. While bromelain might help, pineapple juice is acidic and could irritate your mouth, potentially causing more pain.
If you decide to try the pineapple juice hack, be cautious. Drinking 64 ounces is a lot and could affect your blood sugar levels, leading to energy spikes and crashes. It might also cause digestive issues like stomach aches or diarrhea.
Dr. Wolff recommends using NSAIDs like Motrin or Aleve to reduce swelling and pain after surgery. Applying ice and using saltwater or hydrogen peroxide gargles can also help, but avoid swallowing them.
If you’re confident your stomach and mouth can handle it, you might try the pineapple juice hack. However, there’s no solid evidence it works for everyone.
