When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Getting your wisdom teeth extracted can feel like a huge burden has been lifted off your mouth. You no longer have to sit through the sudden stabs of pain. While extractions can sometimes cause discomfort on their own, they ultimately get rid of the main source of the problem. However, one of the most common questions our patients ask is when they can brush their teeth after wisdom tooth removal. So, if you’re stuck in the same loop, questioning whether or not you can continue with your oral hygiene routine, make sure to keep reading this blog.
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Can You Brush Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
No, after getting your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to wait for at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth. This is so that a blood clot can form on the gums and allow it to heal faster. If you accidentally brush your teeth within the first 24 hours of the procedure, the clot might not be able to develop, leading to a dry socket.
However, once you have made it through one day, you can start by brushing your teeth as gently as possible. This means switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Moreover, when brushing, make sure to avoid direct contact with the surgical site. Instead, focus on other parts of the mouth, especially your tongue.
Even when rinsing your mouth, be cautious not to dislodge the blood clot. Do not swish mouthwash into your mouth or aggressively spit it out. Be very gentle when swirling the water in your mouth before carefully spitting it out.
How to Clean Your Teeth After Wisdom Tooth Removal
The best way to clean your teeth after wisdom tooth removal is by waiting till the next day. Most dentists recommend skipping brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth on the day of the surgery. This is to avoid dislodging the blood clot, as that might cause complications, such as a dry socket.
A dry socket is when the blood clot covering the extraction site comes undone before the gums have healed. Due to this, the bone, tissues, and nerves underneath that clot are exposed. Once vulnerable, the surgical site can easily get infected by bacteria, leading to severe oral infection.
This is why it is necessary to take extra precautions so as not to disturb the blood clots or irritate the extraction site.
Moreover, if you experience bleeding, get some clean dental gauze and gently bite down on it, allowing the gauze to soak up the blood. Alternatively, you can also reach out to Dr. Ayham Nahhas, who will make sure that your oral health stays in good shape without compromising the healing process.
They performed an emergency extraction for me, rescuing me from extreme pain from an exposed nerve. They are professional, compassionate, comprehensive and good! Couldn’t ask for better service from an emergency dental visit!
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What’s The Takeaway?
To put it briefly, wisdom tooth removal is an intrusive dental procedure, but it gets rid of most of the pain in your jaw and gums. However, rather than jumping straight into your oral hygiene routine, it is important to consult with your dentist. In most cases, dentists recommend waiting for at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth. That, too, must be done with extreme caution and gentleness. Nevertheless, for more information on the matter, feel free to contact Lifeline Dental at (281) 409-3777.