Exercise After Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know
Wait time
After a tooth extraction, you should wait 48-72 hours before exercising.
Why
Increased blood pressure can dislodge the clot
Warning
Strenuous activity can cause bleeding
Tips for Exercising After Tooth Extraction
- 01Keep your head elevated
- 02Start with walking before intense exercise
Other Activities After Tooth Extraction
See when you can do other activities after your tooth extraction:
Table 1 — Other activities after tooth extraction
| Activity | Wait |
|---|---|
| Use a Straw | 7 days |
| Eat Normally | 24-48 hours for soft foods, 1 week for normal |
| Smoke | 72+ hours minimum, ideally 1 week |
| Drink Alcohol | 48-72 hours |
| Drive | If sedated, 24 hours; local only, when numbness wears off |
| Return to Work | 1-2 days |
Recovery info
Recovery timelines are general guidelines based on typical cases. Individual recovery may vary based on your health, the complexity of your procedure, and other factors. Always follow your dentist's specific post-operative instructions.