Brushing Teeth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Essential Care Tips

“When can I start brushing my teeth after a wisdom tooth extraction?” is a question that a lot of patients ask us. Because cleaning your teeth too soon after having a wisdom tooth removed can be uncomfortable.However, it’s a must that you maintain your oral hygiene following the extraction, which is why we have created a guide to post-extraction oral care below. These suggestions will help reduce discomfort and speed up your healing process. 

Remember to follow the three basic tips below, and you will be on your way to a smoother recovery.It’s usually recommended to wait at least 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth out before brushing your teeth. This makes it possible for the surgery site to heal naturally. To prevent aggravating the extraction areas, be mindful and follow the below tips carefully when you resume brushing.

What’s the best type of toothbrush to use after an extraction?

A soft-bristled toothbrush can effectively clear away debris without being overly aggressive or irritating. Use soft, gentle, circular motions to carefully but thoroughly brush your teeth.Wisdom teeth removal can be painful, but taking care of your mouth afterward will help to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery. Also make it a habit  to gently floss frequently, as this helps to remove any food particles that may become trapped around the stitches. 

Use the right amount of toothpaste

Although it might not seem like much, our Warrnambool dentists recommend that patients only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Too much toothpaste can cause irritation to the extraction site and gums. Additionally, choose a mild toothpaste that contains  fluoride. Be mindful of certain ingredients that can be too harsh, leading to gum inflammation and slower healing.

When can I start brushing my teeth after an extraction?

During the first 24 hours following the tooth extraction operation, it’s crucial to refrain from brushing or washing your mouth for safety. However always follow your Warrnambool dentist advice and remember to brush your teeth gently & carefully. Avoid getting the toothbrush too close to the extraction site. 

The best practices post wisdom tooth extraction

Don’t swish aggressively or spit. 

Instead of spitting or aggressively swishing your toothpaste out, simply rinse as gently as possible, as it could irritate the extraction site or loosen the stitches.

Rinse gently

When you rinse your mouth, be sure to rinse very gently. For a mild rinse, just warm water is a great choice, but you can also ask your dentist about mixing warm water and salt.

Elevate your head while you sleep.

On the first night after your wisdom tooth extraction, it’s best to sleep with your head up. This can be as easy as using an additional pillow to support your head while you sleep.

Eat soft food 

The most important tip for a fast healing process is to refrain from chewing. It’s crucial to avoid eating anything for two hours after your tooth extraction, and thereafter it’s always best to consume only clear liquids for at least a day, like vegetable or chicken broth.

You should be able to begin eating soft meals by the second or third day. Here are a few options for you to look at:

1. Yoghurt
2. Applesauce
3. Mashed potatoes, bananas, beans, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or squash
4. Scrambled eggs
5. Porridge
6. Pureed soups
7. Mashed, steamed carrots
8. Smoothies
9. Hummus
10. Mashed avocado
11. Nut butters 
12. Cheese

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is an important part of the healing process. Drinking water also helps dislodge food debris and stimulate saliva production.

Frequent Examinations

Make it a habit to maintain good oral hygiene with routine examinations. Regular dental examinations will help identify any problems at an early stage. Sticking to this routine after a wisdom tooth extraction will allow your dentist to keep an eye on the extraction site.

When to get in touch with our Warrnambool dentist following wisdom tooth extraction?

Following wisdom teeth extraction, keep an eye out for these complications:

• Uncontrolled breathing
• Over 38°C fever 
• Excruciating agony that your prescribed painkillers are unable to relieve
• Swelling that gets worse after 72 hours
• An unpleasant aftertaste even after washing with salt water
• Swelling that makes swallowing challenging
• Breathing difficulties
• Jaw pain that travels to the temples
• Numbness that lasts for three to four hours
• Pus, fluid, or blood slowly leaking out of the socket. 

If you experience these warning signs, contact our Warrnambool emergency dentist immediately. 

Dry socket after tooth extraction?

One of the main issues to keep an eye out for after a wisdom teeth extraction is dry socket.

A dry socket is a painful dental condition that can occur when a blood clot at the extraction site where the tooth was removed does not form, comes out or dissolves before the wound has healed.

If dry socket is not treated, it can get infected. A dry socket may be the cause of pain that travels up to your temples or into your jaw.  

Dry Socket Symptoms:

• Severe pain 1 to 3 days after tooth extraction.
• Pain that radiates from the socket to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side that your tooth was pulled.
• An empty socket with a missing blood clot.
• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Bad breath
• Slight fever.

If you do have any of the above symptoms do seek immediate medical attention.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Warrnambool Smile Dental

It’s important  to brush your wisdom teeth properly and frequently if you’ve had them extracted.  Additionally, you should stay away from certain foods and beverages that can harm your gums and teeth.  Following your wisdom tooth extraction, our Warrnambool dentists will assist you in making a speedy recovery and maintaining your oral health.  For an appointment or more information regarding your post-operative care, get in touch with us today!

FAQs

Q: What happens if I accidentally spit after wisdom teeth removal?

After surgery, a blood clot forms in the socket. It protects the delicate nerves underneath. Sucking or spitting actions in the mouth may dislodge the blood clot, causing dry socket

Q: How long does it take for an extraction hole to close?

Usually within 14-21 days, the hole will close, and your gums will heal. Keep in mind that large teeth at the back and wisdom teeth removal, take the longest to heal. After a month, your tooth hole should be completely healed.

Q: When can I brush teeth normally after tooth extraction?

You can begin cleaning your teeth the next day, but avoid cleaning your teeth next to the extraction site.  For the first three days, keep the brush away from the extraction socket.  If your incision was sutured, you might want to rinse your mouth.

Q: When is dry socket no longer a risk?

It should take 7  to 10 days for the majority of patients who have had a tooth extraction to heal.  The risk of a dry socket disappears entirely after the wound has healed, and the blood clot from the extraction is no longer needed to protect the underlying tissue.