Download Article Show Download Article Having your wisdom teeth removed by a dentist or oral surgeon requires thorough post-operative care to ensure a full and speedy recovery. If you don't clean your teeth and mouth properly, you could end up with an infection or painful inflammation known as "dry socket" (alveolar osteitis). Dry socket occurs in about 20% of lower wisdom teeth extractions, so you will want to make sure you take extra precautions after your surgery.[1] You’ll need to care for your mouth for at least a week after your wisdom teeth removal using a few simple processes that don’t require much time or effort.[2]
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ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX To clean your teeth after getting your wisdom teeth removed, avoid brushing them or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours after your surgery so you don't interfere with the healing process. Then, for the next 3 days, brush your teeth as normal but avoid the area where your teeth were removed. Instead, rinse the area with warm water mixed with a pinch of salt to clean it. When you go to spit out your toothpaste or salt water rinse, tilt your mouth to the side and let everything drain out instead of spitting so you don't damage the surgical site. Finally, after 3 days, resume your normal brushing routine. To learn how to take care of your mouth after getting your wisdom teeth out, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 451,653 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?How do you maintain oral hygiene after wisdom teeth removal?Oral hygiene
You can brush your teeth the night of surgery, but rinse gently and be careful around the surgery site. The day after wisdom teeth removal surgery, you should begin rinsing at least five to six times a day, especially after meals. We suggest keeping your mouth clean with salt water rinses or a toothbrush.
When can I start cleaning after wisdom teeth removal?On the same day of surgery, you should not brush near the extraction site. However, you should start normal brushing again the very next day, according to the American Dental Association. You will certainly want to be careful and gentle, but you should resume full brushing the day right after wisdom tooth extraction.
Can you use toothpaste after wisdom teeth removal?Continue rinsing until the wounds are healed. This may take up to 6 weeks. Resume tooth brushing with toothpaste the day after surgery. Common sense dictates to use care when brushing near the wounds for the first 2-3 days.
How do I keep my tooth extraction clean?Don't rinse for the first 24 hours, and this will help your mouth to start healing. After this time use a salt-water mouthwash, which helps to heal the socket. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area.
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