Proper oral hygiene after wisdom teeth removal is important for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications. Knowing when and how to resume brushing your teeth and manage other aspects of your oral care routine is a common concern during this delicate healing period.
Resuming Tooth Brushing After Surgery
It is advised to wait at least 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal before brushing your teeth. This initial waiting period allows the blood clots to form undisturbed in the extraction sockets, which is a fundamental step in the healing process. Disturbing these clots too soon, through actions like brushing directly over the site or vigorous rinsing, can dislodge them and lead to a painful condition known as dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot is lost, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
After the initial 24 hours, you can cautiously begin brushing the teeth that are not directly adjacent to the surgical sites. For the areas near the extraction sites, it is advisable to use extreme gentleness or avoid them entirely for the first few days. Gradually, as healing progresses and discomfort subsides, you can carefully extend your brushing to include the teeth closer to the surgical areas. Always prioritize the specific instructions provided by your oral surgeon, as individual healing rates and surgical complexities can vary.
Techniques for Safe Brushing
Once your oral surgeon advises it is safe to resume brushing, employing the correct technique is important to prevent irritating the healing tissues. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize trauma to the gums and surgical sites. When brushing, apply gentle, circular motions, focusing on cleaning the surfaces of your teeth without placing direct pressure on the extraction areas. It is important to tilt the brush head slightly towards the gum line to effectively clean those surfaces.
Avoid brushing directly over the extraction sites for at least the first three to five days, or as directed by your surgeon, even if you are brushing other teeth. When rinsing after brushing, do so gently; do not spit forcefully, as this can create negative pressure that might dislodge the blood clot. Instead, allow water to trickle out of your mouth over a sink. A non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene without causing irritation.
Beyond Brushing: Other Oral Care
Beyond gentle brushing, other oral care practices are important for cleanliness and healing after wisdom teeth removal. Gentle rinsing is an important component of post-operative care, helping keep the mouth clean without disturbing the delicate surgical sites. Starting 24 hours after surgery, your surgeon may recommend gentle rinses with a warm salt water solution. This solution can be prepared by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
Rinse by gently swishing the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then allow it to passively drain out. Do not spit vigorously. Your surgeon might also prescribe a medicated mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, to control bacteria and prevent infection. Follow instructions for any prescribed mouthwash precisely. Avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these can irritate healing tissues and potentially delay recovery.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms indicate a need to contact your oral surgeon or dentist. Persistent severe pain not improving with prescribed pain medication, or pain worsening after a few days, warrants immediate attention. Swelling increasing significantly after the first two to three days, or swelling with difficulty swallowing or breathing, should also be reported.
Other concerning signs include fever, which could indicate infection, or pus around the extraction site. Unusual or prolonged bleeding not stopping with pressure, or a foul taste or odor from the surgical area, also suggests a potential complication. These symptoms could indicate issues like infection, dry socket, or other healing problems requiring professional assessment and intervention.