Maintaining hygiene is fundamental for proper healing after wisdom teeth removal. Careful post-operative cleaning is necessary to prevent infection and speed up recovery. While the surgical site requires protection, the rest of your mouth still needs cleaning to minimize the bacterial load. The approach to oral care immediately following the procedure must be significantly modified from your normal routine to avoid complications.
The Critical First 24 Hours
The first day following the extraction requires strict adherence to precautions to safeguard the surgical site. You must completely avoid brushing or aggressively rinsing your mouth, especially near the extraction area, for the initial 24 hours. During this period, a blood clot forms in the empty socket, acting as a biological bandage and framework for new tissue growth. Disturbing this clot can lead to dry socket (alveolar osteitis), which exposes the underlying bone.
You can very gently brush the teeth far away from the surgery site. Use minimal pressure and take care not to let the toothbrush venture near the back molars. Refrain from any activity that creates suction, such as spitting out toothpaste or using a straw, as this pressure can dislodge the protective blood clot.
Safe Brushing Techniques Post-Extraction
Starting on Day 2, you can begin cleaning your entire mouth, but with significant modifications to your technique. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to ensure effective cleaning without being abrasive to the healing gums. Apply only light pressure, cleaning the surrounding teeth with slow, circular motions.
When cleaning teeth adjacent to the extraction site, angle the brush so bristles are directed away from the wound. This minimizes the risk of irritating the delicate tissue or dislodging the clot while removing plaque and debris. Use only a small amount of mild, non-whitening toothpaste, as harsh ingredients can irritate the area. Avoid vigorous spitting by letting the used toothpaste passively drain from your mouth.
Essential Oral Rinsing Guidelines
Rinsing supplements brushing, as mechanical cleaning near the wound is still limited. Start gentle rinsing on Day 2, after the blood clot has stabilized. A warm saltwater solution is recommended, made by dissolving one-half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
Rinsing should be performed gently, allowing the solution to flow over the surgical site without aggressive swishing or gargling. After rinsing, let the liquid passively fall into the sink rather than spitting, which creates suction that can harm the clot. If a medicated rinse, such as chlorhexidine, was prescribed, use it as directed, maintaining the same gentle technique to avoid disrupting the healing process.
Resuming Your Normal Oral Care Routine
The transition back to pre-surgery oral care habits should be gradual, typically over one to two weeks. Around five to seven days post-surgery, you can usually begin applying more normal pressure to your toothbrush. Continue to exercise caution and gentleness around the extraction site for a longer period.
Flossing can be reintroduced to the rest of your mouth on Day 2, but flossing near the extraction site should be delayed until the area is noticeably closed (often seven to ten days). Once the surgical sites are closed, your oral surgeon may provide a plastic syringe to gently irrigate and clean out any remaining food particles from the socket.