After surgery, the patient is asked to refrain from:
1) brushing and flossing the teeth
2) rinsing the mouth
3) sleeping with the head elevated
4) sucking on a straw or smoking
5) spitting

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After surgery, patients are often advised to avoid actions that could disturb the surgical site or increase bleeding. This includes avoiding rinsing the mouth vigorously, sucking on a straw or smoking (which can create negative pressure and dislodge blood clots), and spitting (which can also disrupt healing). Brushing and flossing should be continued gently, except in the area of surgery unless otherwise directed, and sleeping with the head elevated can actually help reduce swelling, making options 1 and 3 generally incorrect post-operative advice.

After Surgery, the Patient Is Asked to Refrain From