If your TikTok algorithm tends to lead you down rabbit holes of supposed health hacks, you’ve likely run into at least one viral video of a teenager drinking half a gallon of pineapple juice before getting their wisdom teeth removed. Many claimed that binge-drinking pineapple juice a day before the big surgery prevented their faces from swelling into a painful flesh balloon.
Although this health fad has been making rounds on more current corners of the net, it’s nothing new. For years, parenting blogs have sworn by the magical healing powers of pineapple juice. As someone who avoids pain at all costs and has been putting off getting their wisdom tooth removed for way (and I mean, way) too long, I was instantly intrigued. Does drinking pineapple juice actually prevent swelling, even after such an intensive procedure? And would I really need to drink the entire 64 ounces for it to work?
