POST SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WISDOM TOOTH Wisdom Tooth Extraction Care Restrict your activities. Avoid touching the wound area. Do not vigorously rinse your mouth. Apply ice to your cheeks outside the surgery site. Remove the gauze surgical pad 30 minutes after your surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. Do and don'ts after wisdom teeth removal? Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after tooth extraction, avoid "sucking" actions (for example, don't drink beverages through straws or smoke) and avoid hot liquids (such as coffee or soup). These activities can dislodge the clot, causing a dry socket (see below) to develop. How do you take care of your mouth after wisdom teeth removal? Care of Mouth After Oral Surgery Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area. Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.