Can wisdom teeth be extracted during menstruation?
Aug 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Do not have your wisdom teeth extracted during menstruation. Tooth extraction during this period is contraindicated because hormonal fluctuations can impair normal blood clotting. If extraction is performed, postoperative bleeding may become uncontrollable, leading to compensatory hemorrhage. Uncontrolled bleeding may progress to decompensation and pose a life-threatening risk. During menstruation, women generally experience reduced physical resilience and diminished immune resistance.
Many women have likely experienced toothache at some point. There are numerous potential causes of tooth pain, among which impacted or erupting wisdom teeth are relatively common—often necessitating extraction. So, can wisdom teeth be extracted during menstruation?
Can wisdom teeth be extracted during menstruation?
Wisdom teeth should not be extracted during menstruation. Tooth extraction is contraindicated during this period because hormonal fluctuations affect blood coagulation. Extraction may lead to uncontrolled postoperative bleeding—potentially resulting in compensatory hemorrhage. If bleeding cannot be controlled, decompensation may occur, posing a life-threatening risk. During menstruation, women generally experience reduced physical resilience and lowered immunity. The trauma associated with wisdom tooth extraction may trigger intraoperative anxiety, syncope (fainting), hypoglycemia, and other complications. Moreover, the risk of postoperative infection is significantly higher; therefore, wisdom tooth extraction is not recommended during menstruation.
Extraction should be scheduled after menstruation ends. Following wisdom tooth removal, patients are advised to consume cool, soft foods two hours post-procedure—only after local anesthesia has worn off—to avoid adverse health effects. Suitable options include ice cream, noodles, and congee, all served cool (not cold) before consumption. Eating excessively hot food may cause vasodilation at the extraction site, leading to bleeding. Cool foods promote vasoconstriction and aid hemostasis. Additionally, patients should bite down on a gauze pad for approximately 30 minutes post-extraction before discarding it. Brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth must be avoided for at least 24 hours to prevent dislodgement of the protective blood clot and subsequent bleeding.
When symptoms of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth arise, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent disease progression. We hope this information proves helpful.
