Taking Care of Your Teeth After a Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Following a wisdom tooth removal, it is important to maintain your oral health if you wish for a speedy recovery. After the first day of surgical procedures, you may have found yourself wondering “should I brush my teeth after a wisdom tooth removal? This article will explore different ways to keep good oral hygiene and answer common questions.
CAN I BRUSH MY TEETH AFTER A WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION?
Avoid brushing your teeth until the following day after your wisdom teeth removal procedure. It is important for blood clot forms to develop in the surgical area. This will allow the process of your healing wounds to start. To properly take care of your mouth it is important to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid excessive bleeding and pain.
Take care of your sockets and brush your teeth
You should begin brushing your gums and teeth the day after a wisdom tooth extraction. The sockets where the wisdom tooth has been removed should be cleaned, along with the tongue. For several days, you may experience a bad taste in your mouth, so be gentle when cleaning your mouth. Avoid using electric toothbrushes, and stick to soft-bristled ones. Use gentle, circular motions when brushing, and avoid spitting too hard. Also, avoid using straws or making any sucking action.
If you have a fever, avoid cleaning your mouth immediately after the wisdom teeth are removed. The blood clot can be broken by coughing and sneezing, which could cause discomfort. You should remain in good health during the recovery process. You should consult your dentist if you are allergic to certain foods or drinks.
After a wisdom tooth extraction, you must also stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 72 hours. Smoking can slow down the healing process. It could be a good idea to quit smoking or cut down on your smoking the weeks prior to your wisdom teeth extraction. For those who wish to stop smoking, nicotine gum and patches are options. It is important to adhere to the instructions given by your dentist following tooth extraction. A proper oral hygiene routine will help prevent bacterial infection from entering the surgical site.
After your wisdom teeth extraction, the doctor may recommend that you do not brush your teeth for a few days. The reason is that your socket may still be healing. Brushing your teeth within a few days of the surgery will cause the blood clot to break down and lead to a bacterial infection. While you are healing, your teeth may have a foul-tasting or unpleasant odor. As your tooth heals you might be provided with instructions on how best to brush your teeth.
Ice pack for surgical site
After wisdom tooth extractions, keep a small piece of gauze with you to use at the extraction site. Apply it to the extraction area for approximately 30 minutes. A moist tea bag can be applied to the extraction site. If bleeding persists, call your dentist for instructions.
You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Rinse your mouth many times a day, even after you eat.
After the surgery, you should avoid vigorous physical activities, such as strenuous exercise. You should not drive or drink alcohol while taking pain medicines. Some bleeding may occur in the lips and cheeks. If your bleeding is extreme, try contacting your oral surgeon. Also, avoid smoking or spitting. The area is prone to swelling, so drinking plenty of water will prevent this.
It is important to care for your wisdom teeth after they are removed. For the first few days, you should not sit down for any length of time. Keep your head high and don’t do any strenuous activity, until you feel the swelling has subsided. It is normal to experience swelling in the cheeks, mouth, and eyes. This should resolve within a few weeks. Do not consume hot liquids, sticky foods, or spicy foods. Stick to a soft diet and clear liquids. Using an ice pack pressed firmly against the side of your face will help relieve pain or the amount of swelling.
Saltwater should be used to clean your teeth after the extraction. One teaspoon of salt should be added to every glass. It is important to rinse after every meal and before retiring from bed in order to avoid any infection. You should not chew gauze as this can cause blood to flow more and further complications. You should call your dentist if you notice any unusual bleeding and ask for advice. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to check on how things are going.