What should patients be advised to avoid following local anesthesia?

Following local anesthesia, patients should be advised to avoid biting their lip or cheek because the numbing effect can lead to a decreased ability to perceive pain or pressure in those areas. As a result, patients may inadvertently chew on their lip or cheek without realizing the potential for injury, leading to painful sores or infections. This is particularly important in the case of children or individuals who may not understand the implications of having a numbed area.

While avoiding excessive physical activity, eating spicy foods, and brushing teeth aggressively may also be beneficial in certain contexts, they are generally less critical than the risk associated with inadvertent self-injury due to a lack of sensation. The primary focus post-anesthesia is to ensure that patients are aware of their altered sensation and take precautions to prevent any self-inflicted harm.