If you have just had a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, you may be wondering when and how to brush your teeth. It is very important to keep your mouth clean after these procedures in order to avoid developing infections as well as other problems. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about brushing teeth after tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal.
Can I Brush My Teeth After Tooth Extractions (Wisdom Teeth Removal)?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after tooth extraction! In fact, it is very important to brush your teeth after these procedures in order to avoid developing an infection in the extraction area and cavities on your remaining teeth. Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is essential. So dentists recommend you brush your teeth like usual the day after wisdom teeth removal.
However, you have to be careful to not further irritate or injure the area of the extraction when brushing your teeth. This can lead to delayed healing and/or the creation of a dry socket. There must be a fine balance between keeping the area of the extraction clean, and not injuring the area.
When Have I Brushed too Hard?
There are two main indicators that you have brushed too hard and need to be more gentle in the extraction area: pain and bleeding. These are signs of injury in the affected area. If you experience either of these, immediately stop brushing in that area and be more gentle when resuming.
When Have I Not Brushed Enough?
The main indicators of not brushing enough are bad taste and smell. These can be signs of an infection, but also a sign of food being stuck in the area, which is why it is so important to brush your teeth thoroughly and regularly after an extraction. For those who are having difficulty keeping the area cleaned after a couple of days it is recommended to add an antibacterial rinse to your oral hygiene routine.
When Can I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
As discussed previously, you can brush their teeth the day immediately after wisdom teeth removal. Once one week has passed you can expect the occurrence of a dry socket to have decreased significantly enough that brushing can return to normal as compared to the brushing instructions listed below.
How do I Brush my Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Brushing your teeth after a tooth extraction is very similar to brushing your teeth normally. The largest difference occurs during rinsing your mouth with water. You need to be very careful not to dislodge the blood clot that has formed in the extraction socket, forming a dry socket. Losing the blood clot can cause a lot of pain. Instead of swishing water aggressively in your mouth, let it drain out of your mouth gently. Otherwise, following normal brushing instructions is ideal:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth, making sure to floss under the gum line, at least once a day (preferably twice)
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Brush with small, circular strokes
- Brush your tongue
- After brushing, rinse your mouth out with water and let it drain out of your mouth gently
Additionally, for those who are more worried you can take extra precautionary measures when brushing your teeth. These are not required but may be helpful to those more apprehensive about their teeth:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
- Slow down so you can brush your teeth properly and be careful around the impacted area
- Consider using a milder toothpaste for the first few days
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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