Getting your wisdom teeth out is always an exciting process because it allows you to get rid of that extra set of molars and relieve the pain that they are bringing. However, it can also be frustrating because you will have to fast before your surgery. This is to ensure that the surgeons are working on you when you have an empty stomach and that you will not involuntarily throw up on them and clog the area where they are trying to work. Even though fasting is necessary, it can be difficult for some people, especially for those who are used to eating at specific times. Here are some tips for surviving the fast before your wisdom teeth extraction.

1. Get the Precise Times

First, talk to your oral surgeon about exactly when you should start your fast. It will be different for every oral surgeon, but most will say between eight and twelve hours. This will allow you to minimize the time that you have to fast.

2. Eat Something With Protein Right Before Your Fast Begins

Next, you are going to want to prepare for the fast. Make sure that you eat enough food right up until the time that you have to start fasting. One of the final things that you should eat is something that is high in protein because it will reduce the chances that you will end up feeling hungry in the middle of the night. Eat foods such as nuts, peanut butter, eggs, and yogurt in order to make sure that you get the protein you need.

If the time when you have to start fasting is in the middle of the night, prepare a snack ahead of time and put it in the refrigerator. Set an alarm about fifteen minutes before you officially have to start fasting and make sure that you get up and eat the snack. Then, go back to bed to wait for your surgery.

3. Keep Your Mouth and Body Busy

Finally, you want to make sure that you keep your mouth and body busy. Talk to your oral surgeon to see if you can drink water up until your surgery. If you can, keep a large bottle of water with you while you go about your day so that it can fill your stomach and keep you from wanting to eat. If you are not allowed to drink water, consider chewing gum. Chewing gum is able to reduce the amount of hunger that some people feel. Make sure that you don't spend any time just sitting around thinking about how hungry you are.

For more information, contact Oral And Maxillofacial Surgical Associates or a similar organization.