Does Pineapple Juice Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

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Recently videos have been popping up on social media where teens claim that drinking large amounts of pineapple juice before wisdom teeth extraction will reduce post-op pain and swelling. 

Is there any truth to this? Well…sort of. Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in some studies. However, the research results on whether bromelain is helpful after wisdom tooth surgery is conflicting.

There are also quite a few unpleasant side effects associated with overconsuming pineapple. Examples include: heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bromelain can also interfere with certain medications like amoxicillin, causing an increase in absorption. So talk to your doctor before trying this “hack”.

What we suggest instead? Elevating your head, using a cold compress, and taking your medications as prescribed are the most helpful ways to manage post op swelling.