Wisdom teeth removal is a common outpatient procedure requiring careful preparation to ensure safety. This surgical extraction, often performed with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, involves specific pre-operative protocols. The rules regarding what you can and cannot consume beforehand are strict, and misunderstanding them can lead to the cancellation or delay of your scheduled surgery.
Oral Intake Restrictions
The answer to whether you can chew gum before wisdom teeth removal is no. This restriction falls under the “Nil Per Os” (NPO) rule, meaning “nothing by mouth,” which is enforced before procedures involving sedation or anesthesia. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and digestive juices, preparing the stomach for food and increasing the total volume of fluid inside. This stimulation of the digestive system is the primary concern for the surgical team, even if the gum is not swallowed.
Patients must stop eating solid food approximately six to eight hours before surgery. Clear liquids, such as water or plain black coffee, are usually permitted until about two hours before the procedure. Ignoring the no-gum rule is often treated the same as having a full meal, forcing the surgical team to postpone the procedure for patient safety.
Understanding Anesthesia Safety
The NPO guidelines exist to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents are regurgitated and accidentally enter the lungs, which happens when the body’s protective reflexes are suppressed by sedation or general anesthesia. Normally, the natural gag and cough reflexes prevent stomach contents from entering the windpipe.
When a patient is under anesthesia, however, these reflexes are temporarily inactive, making the airway vulnerable. If the stomach contains food, fluid, or excess digestive secretions, this material could be inhaled into the lungs. Even a small amount of stomach acid or fluid can cause severe inflammation and damage to the lung tissue. By ensuring the stomach is empty, the surgical team significantly lowers the volume of material available to be aspirated, creating a safer environment for the procedure.
Essential Pre-Operative Checklist
Beyond avoiding all oral intake, including gum, several other preparations are necessary for the day of your wisdom teeth extraction:
- Arranging reliable transportation is mandatory if you are receiving any form of sedation, as you will not be permitted to drive yourself home for at least 24 hours following the procedure. A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain present during the surgery, and be available to take you home afterward.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and a shirt with short sleeves is often requested to allow for easy placement of the intravenous (IV) line.
- Consult with your surgeon about which prescription drugs you should take on the morning of surgery, usually with only a tiny sip of water.
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 12 to 24 hours before the procedure, as nicotine can interfere with healing and affect the body’s response to anesthesia.
- Leave all jewelry, contact lenses, and excessive makeup at home to help streamline the monitoring process and maintain a sterile environment.