Maintaining proper oral hygiene following wisdom teeth removal is important for a smooth recovery. This care helps support the natural healing process and minimizes the risk of complications such as infection.
Recommended Mouthwashes
A warm salt water rinse is a commonly recommended and gentle option for cleaning the mouth after wisdom teeth extraction. This simple solution can be prepared by dissolving about half a teaspoon of table salt in eight ounces of warm water. The saline solution helps cleanse the area without irritating delicate healing tissues and aids in reducing bacteria.
Beyond homemade solutions, a dentist or oral surgeon might prescribe chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthwash. This prescription rinse has strong antiseptic qualities that effectively reduce bacteria in the mouth. CHX is reserved for specific cases where a higher level of microbial control is necessary. It is used under professional guidance due to potential side effects, including temporary tooth staining or an altered sense of taste.
Mouthwashes to Avoid
Alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal because alcohol can irritate the sensitive surgical site. This irritation may delay healing and cause discomfort. Alcohol can also have a drying effect on the oral mucosa, which hinders wound recovery.
Strongly flavored or abrasive mouthwashes are unsuitable for use during the post-operative period. These products can be too harsh for the healing gum tissues, potentially causing pain or further irritation at the extraction site. Their intense ingredients may disrupt tissue regeneration.
Hydrogen peroxide rinses, unless specifically advised by an oral surgeon, should also be avoided. While hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, its strength can be too aggressive for a fresh surgical wound. Using such a rinse without professional guidance could potentially damage healing tissues or or interfere with clot formation.
How and When to Use Mouthwash
Rinsing should not commence until at least 24 hours following wisdom teeth removal. This waiting period allows a stable blood clot to form within the extraction socket, essential for proper healing. Disrupting this initial clot can lead to complications such as a dry socket, where the underlying bone becomes exposed.
When rinsing, a gentle technique is important; vigorous swishing or forceful spitting should be avoided. Instead, allow the mouthwash to gently flow over the surgical area. After rinsing, simply tilt your head to let the liquid drain out of your mouth without actively spitting.
Rinsing typically occurs after meals and before bedtime, or as specifically directed by your oral surgeon. This frequency helps keep the surgical site clean without over-agitating the area. The duration of mouthwash use spans the first week or two post-surgery, aligning with initial healing stages. Your oral surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions are the most important guide and should always be followed meticulously.