Does Pineapple Juice Help With Swelling? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever had wisdom tooth extraction, or other condition that causes pain and swelling, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be. There are different natural remedies that claim to alleviate the pain, and recently, pineapple juice has come into the limelight for its supposed wisdom tooth recovery benefits. This article will take a critical look into whether drinking pineapple juice can help fight wisdom tooth pain and reduce swelling, or if it's simply another social media trend without any scientific backing.

Nutritional information of pineapple juice

Potential wisdom tooth recovery effects aside, pineapple juice contains lots of essential nutrients.

• Vitamins. Various vitamins can be found in pineapple, each contributing differently to overall health. Vitamin C, for instance, is essential for immune system function, may contribute to skin health, and has antioxidant properties.
• Minerals. Pineapple contains trace minerals such as manganese and copper, which offer bone health support and antioxidant protection, as well as help in iron absorption and nervous system health.
• Antioxidants. Pineapple juice also has antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may contribute to oxidative stress reduction and potentially inflammation management.

Bromelain in pineapple

Pineapple's most famous component is not a particular vitamin or mineral but an enzyme called bromelain. It aids in the breakdown of protein and is believed to potentially have pain relief effects.

One recent review of clinical trials studying the potential of bromelain to reduce pain concluded that although there was some reduction in inflammatory markers, the evidence is inconsistent.

The studies reviewed had a range of different time scales, from 1 to 16 weeks. The bromelain dosages also varied from 200 mg to 1,050 mg per day, and it’s worth noting that bromelain supplements were used, not regular pineapple juice.

These variables make it difficult to draw a firm conclusion that bromelain content alone is responsible for the reduction in inflammation.

Does pineapple juice help with swelling?

Recently, social media has been awash with claims that pineapple juice can reduce swelling, especially after wisdom teeth removal.

@kyrstynl I didnt think it would help that much with the swelling 😳 #RufflesOwnYourRidges #wisdomteethremoval #pinapplejuice ♬ How You Feel? (Freestyle) (feat. Lil Yachty & Ski Mask The Slump God) - DJ Scheme & Danny Towers

While there is anecdotal evidence to support this, we have to approach it critically.

It’s easy for an influencer to make a video about their personal experience using pineapple juice after wisdom tooth extraction, but there could be other factors contributing to a reduction in wisdom tooth pain and inflammation.

What does the science say?

Let’s examine the scientific research on pineapple extract and bromelain, particularly focusing on their effectiveness for pain relief and reducing swelling after wisdom tooth surgery.

Bromelain for wisdom tooth recovery

One recent study, published in the scientific journal Nutrients in March 2024, took 42 participants who had recently undergone molar surgery and either gave them a pineapple extract with titrated bromelain, a purified bromelain supplement, or a placebo.

The researchers noted that those in the extract and bromelain supplement groups significantly reduced the need for conventional pain relief such as ibuprofen.

They also mentioned that while this shows promise for the use of pineapple extract to help with swelling after wisdom tooth surgery, a larger investigation is needed to establish its efficacy for other types of procedures.

Again, it’s important to take into account the fact that this study used isolated compounds and not simply a carton of juice. In order to consume the levels of bromelain studied, you would have to drink extremely large amounts of pineapple juice, which may cause gastrointestinal side effects and significantly raise blood sugar levels. It's therefore fair to say that drinking juice from a carton is unlikely to have any effect on swelling or inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain

Another 2018 study looking at the pain relief effects of bromelain in the oral environment concluded that bromelain contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thus it may potentially reduce swelling.

However, this research was conducted on isolated cells in a laboratory and not with human participants, making it difficult to say if it could help with the body's ability to fight pain or swelling. And, as with the other studies mentioned, this research examines bromelain alone and not regular store-bought pineapple juice.

After examining the current research, there is some evidence to suggest that bromelain may offer some relief from swelling and pain following wisdom tooth removal. However, due to the low levels of the enzyme in pineapple juice, it is unlikely that it would offer the same effects as bromelain extracts or supplementation.

In any case, bromelain should not be a standalone management method after having wisdom teeth removed and should not replace conventional medical treatments prescribed by medical professionals.

Are there any studies on using pineapple juice alone?

As for specifically drinking pineapple juice for other types of wound healing and surgery recovery, the evidence is limited and not scientifically robust. Because of the lack of studies, it’s impossible to say with any certainty whether drinking it can alleviate pain and swelling.

Drinking pineapple juice for swelling at home

If you want to use pineapple juice alongside your medically recommended wisdom tooth recovery regimen, here are some at-home care tips that may help guide your usage:

1. Moderate consumption. Limit your intake of juice to around 8 ounces per day to make sure you reduce the risk of digestive issues from drinking very high quantities.
2. Maintain a balanced diet. Include pineapple juice as part of a healthy diet rich in other foods that may contribute to inflammation prevention, such as fatty fish and leafy greens.
3. Use with other methods. Utilize other methods such as applying a cold compress and using over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications as directed by a healthcare professional.

Potential risks and considerations

While there may be potential health benefits to pineapple juice, it's important to note any risks.

• High sugar content. Pineapple juice is high in natural sugars, which could be problematic for those with blood sugar management issues such as diabetes.
• Digestive issues. If you drink lots of pineapple juice, it may lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or stomach problems.
• Allergies. Although rare, some people may be allergic to bromelain or pineapple. Symptoms to look for include itching, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
• Existing medical conditions. People with existing medical conditions, those on blood thinning medications, or individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders should consult with their doctor before drinking pineapple juice.

Final thoughts

Although there is some evidence suggesting that bromelain may be a helpful natural remedy for wisdom tooth pain and swelling, it should not be viewed as a substitute for professional medical treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other methods like cold compresses. The research into pineapple juice as a remedy for managing pain after tooth extraction is extremely limited.

If you are dealing with pain and swelling, especially after tooth extraction or other surgeries, your best option is to follow the tailored care plans and advice of your healthcare providers. Most dental experts do not recommend the use of pineapple juice for inflammation relief, and guidance from social media influencers should always be taken with a grain of salt.