Dear high school student,

If you get your wisdom teeth removed, take a combination of Tylenol and Advil (or generic brands) to relieve pain after the surgery. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed taking the combination of these two drugs works better to relieve pain than opioids, and they are not addictive.

My children took one regular strength Tylenol and one regular strength Advil every four to seven hours for three days after surgery and felt little or no pain.

Do not let the oral surgeon pressure you into taking opioids for pain management!

Just because a harmful, highly addictive drug is recommended by a physician does not mean it is the best option for you. And the physician prescribing opioids will not take care of you if you become addicted. “Just say NO” to doctors prescribing opioids.

Mari Bercaw

Kirkland