How to brush teeth after wisdom teeth removal? Removal of wisdom teeth can become a necessary procedure to maintain your oral health, still the road to recovery necessitates cautious measures to prevent any kind of complications like infections or hindered healing. One of the most significant phases of after-care is brushing of teeth. Understanding how to brush teeth after wisdom teeth removal correctly makes a huge difference in your recovery. Following are five important guidelines to assist you in maintaining good oral cleanliness without hindering the recovery process.
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1. Wait 24 Hours Before Brushing the Extraction Site
The most acute time for you during this process is the first 24 hours after you get your wisdom tooth removed. During this time, it’s essential to avoid brushing the extraction site. The primary goal during the first day is to allow the blood clot to form and stay in place, which acts as a protective barrier over the surgical site. Poking or touching the formed clot may cause complications such as alveolar sockets (which are the spaces in the jawbone after tooth removal) to be overly dry, the clot may dislodge, exposing the bone and nerves.
Instead of brushing the extraction site, focus on cleaning the rest of your mouth gently. During this time, it’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, like an Oral-B Pro-Health Soft Toothbrush, to brush your teeth around the extraction area. Be careful not to apply pressure near the surgical site. This will help prevent any infection without disturbing the clot.
2. Use Gentle Techniques for the First Few Days
After 24 hours have gone by, you can start to brush your teeth more properly but it has to be done in a gently and cautiously. Nevertheless, it’s vital to evade brushing the site of removal openly for the first few days of recovery. A toothbrush with soft bristles, as recommended above, is a good choice during these initial phases. Mildly and only brush the area around the removal site without coming in direct contact with it. Brush teeth and gums with small circular motions, being mindful not to disturb the healing tissue.
Avoid using toothpaste for the first 48 hours, as it may irritate the extraction site. In its place, try rinsing with salt mixed in warm water after meals to help keep the area clean. Just grab a cup of warm water, mix in half a tablespoon of salt, and gurgle it in your mouth but be careful not to use too much force. Saltwater is an excellent natural disinfectant that helps reduce the risk of infection without irritating.
3. Resume Normal Brushing After One Week
A week after, you should be able to resume your normal brushing routine. However, continue to be cautious around the extraction site. You can start using toothpaste again, but make sure to use a gentle, non-abrasive kind that won’t irritate the healing tissues.
Although you can now brush your teeth normally, it’s still important to be gentle and avoid vigorous movements near the extraction site. As said above, try using circular motions and focus on brushing the molars and other hard-to-reach areas. Continue rinsing with saltwater if needed, as this will help keep the area clean and reduce the chances of infection.
4. Avoid Common Mistakes in the Brushing Routine
When it comes to brushing after wisdom teeth removal, a few mistakes could delay healing or lead to complications.
Brushing Too Soon:
It might seem tempting to brush your teeth right after the procedure, but doing so too early can dislodge the clot and interfere with healing. Wait at least 24 hours before attempting to brush, and avoid brushing the extraction site for several days after that.
Using Toothpaste Too Early:
Avoid using toothpaste for the first 48 hours post-surgery. Toothpaste can be abrasive, and its chemicals may irritate the extraction site. Start brushing with toothpaste only after the first few days, and opt for a mild, non-abrasive formula.
Vigorous Rinsing:
While rinsing with salt water is essential, don’t be too aggressive when swishing it around your mouth. Vigorous rinsing can disturb the healing clot and hinder recovery. Instead, rinse gently, especially during the first few days following the extraction.
5. Know When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon
If you notice any unusual symptoms while brushing your teeth after wisdom teeth removal, such as excessive bleeding, pain, or signs of infection, don’t hesitate to contact your oral surgeon. Slight bleeding is normal, but if it persists or is heavy, it could indicate a complication.
Some patients also experience swelling or discomfort in the first few days. This is usually temporary and can be taken care of with pain meds as suggested by their specific oral surgeon. If the pain does not lessen or go away, or if they see strange swelling, then it’s important to check in with their surgeon to prevent any infections or concerns.
Conclusion
Wanna know how to brush teeth after wisdom teeth removal? The first few days after are critical, and following these guidelines will help you dodge any problems and encourage faster healing. Make sure to brush moderately with gentle care, try best not to even hover around the clot area, and water mixed with salt to rinses and keep hygiene without irritating the removal site.
If you have any worries or are uncertain about you’re after surgery care, always check in with your surgeon. They can offer guidance personalized to your precise recovery requirements. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a full recovery and a healthy, pain-free smile.
How to brush teeth after wisdom teeth removal? Now you know!
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