Should You Brush Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. After the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth to promote healing and prevent infection. One question that many patients have is whether they should brush their teeth after wisdom teeth removal. In this article, we'll explore the answer and provide some helpful tips for post-operative oral care.
Why You Shouldn't Brush Your Teeth Immediately After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Immediately after your wisdom teeth removal, you should avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours. This is because your mouth will be sensitive and swollen, and brushing too soon can cause bleeding and irritation. The blood clot that forms where your tooth was extracted is also fragile and can be easily dislodged by brushing. If the clot is dislodged, it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Instead of brushing, you should rinse your mouth gently with saltwater every four hours to remove any food particles and debris. To make the saltwater rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
When You Can Brush Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After the first 24 hours, you can begin to brush your teeth again, but you should do so gently and avoid the extraction site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth in a circular motion, making sure to be careful around the stitches and blood clot. You should continue to rinse with saltwater after brushing to keep your mouth clean.
It's important to note that you should not spit forcefully or rinse your mouth vigorously for at least a week after your wisdom teeth removal. This can also dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. Instead, lean over the sink and let the water and saliva drool out of your mouth.
Other Tips for Post-Operative Oral Care
In addition to rinsing with saltwater and brushing gently, there are other things you can do to care for your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. These include:
- Using an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling
- Taking pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon
- Eating soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days after the procedure
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can slow down the healing process
Conclusion
In summary, you should not brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal to avoid dislodging the blood clot and causing dry socket. After the first day, you can brush your teeth gently and rinse with saltwater to keep your mouth clean. Be sure to follow your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions and take good care of your mouth to promote healing and prevent complications.
