Should you brush your teeth after wisdom tooth removal

Tips for brushing after teeth have been removed

Avoid brushing and rinsing on the day of the operation

The first 24 hours after tooth removal are quite a sensitive time. Your body will be trying to form the necessary blood clot to keep the wound safe so that it can heal with minimal risk of infection - losing this blood clot can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket, which we don’t want.

So, even though it’ll feel wrong not to brush, avoid brushing and rinsing in that first 24-hour period.

Learn more: Tooth extraction pain and dry socket

Do not brush vigorously

After the 24-hour period is complete, you can start to brush and floss again regularly. In fact, it’s absolutely encouraged - keeping your mouth clean is a great way to minimise the risk of infection or other complications.

Of course, the area around the extraction site is going to be sensitive for a while. Don’t brush too vigorously in that area, and if you normally use an electric toothbrush consider swapping to a regular one for a couple of weeks.

Learn more: “How to clean your gums and keep them healthy”

Don’t spit the toothpaste out - push it out gently

This may not seem … desirable, but it’s really important that you don’t spit in the few days following your tooth removal. Spitting can displace the blood clot forming in your new socket, once again potentially leading to dry socket.

Spitting toothpaste is, of course, an act of spitting. So, try to just gently push it out without actually spitting for at least five days after your operation. Some dentists recommend letting toothpaste just drool out in those first days.

Use a salt water rinse regularly as well

Many dentists will tell you to use a warm salt water rinse on a regular basis when you have a healing tooth extraction site, after 24 hours of letting it heal first.

There’s a lot of evidence out there to suggest that a saline (salt water) rinse has many beneficial properties, including fighting inflammation and contributing to wound healing.

Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth gently (not vigorously). Do so in particular after eating a meal, to dislodge any debris that might otherwise get stuck in the hole. Just remember not to spit the water out – gently push it out.

Other things to expect as you recover from having a wisdom tooth removed

Bleeding

It’s very normal for a tooth extraction site to ooze blood during the first 24 hours. In fact, this is a good thing – it needs to clot, after all. Talk to your dentist before your operation if you’re taking aspirin or disprin, which are blood thinners.

To reduce discomfort from this process and to help keep the wound safe, bite on the gauze pad your dentist gives you for at least an hour after the extraction. Your dentist will likely also recommend this at the time, so you don’t need to remember it yourself.

Additionally, avoid lying flat on the day of the – if you must lie down, keep your head raised. Then, over the next two or three days, try to avoid serious exercises that raise your blood pressure.

Finally, be cautious of extreme temperature changes in the mouth as these may also cause discomfort. For example, really hot or really cold food and drink.

Swelling and discomfort

It is also normal to experience some swelling and discomfort during the first few days post-surgery. After all, you have just had a tooth removed.

Some people find ice packs help alleviate the symptoms of swelling. Try placing an ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes and see how you feel afterwards. If it’s still uncomfortable, you can repeat this process throughout the day.

As for any aches and pains, regular over-the-counter ibuprofen or paracetamol are usually enough to help. Talk to your dentist about medication if you want advice more specific to your medical needs.

What to eat and drink

As you might expect, certain food and drink won’t be very pleasant in these first few days – and may cause you harm.

In the first few days, avoid eating solid or crumbly foods, or consuming anything alcoholic or hot. Soft foods will be best, like scrambled egg, soup, mashed potatoes, that type of thing.

After a few days up to a week you can start to think about hard foods again. But remember you have a sensitive part of your mouth that is also a big hole – sharp food (like corn chips), crumbly food (such as biscuits) or small hard things (seeds and nuts) should still be avoided, as they can cause pain or get stuck in the socket.

Can I smoke after wisdom tooth removal?

Smoking is not recommended in the days following a tooth extraction, for some of the same reasons we’ve discussed already today.

The suction that commonly takes place while smoking can dislodge the blood clot forming in your socket, leading to dry socket. The smoke itself may also be uncomfortable, even painful, in the first few days.

If you can, try to wait at least three days before smoking to give your body time to heal.

What to do if you feel worried

If you ever feel concerned about your discomfort, a blood clot has failed to form, or you’re worried generally about the amount of bleeding or pain you feel, you may wish to go back and see your dentist for advice.

Kowhai Dental is here on Maunu Road in Whangarei and we’re here to help. Call us on 09 430 0707 or book an appointment online.

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