The Importance of Oral Hygiene After Wisdom Tooth Removal

After your dentist removes your wisdom tooth, you need to take care of your mouth properly to experience a smooth recovery. Oral hygiene after wisdom tooth removal can help make the recovery process easier and prevent complications like pain, swelling, or infection. If you’ve recently had a wisdom tooth extraction and are looking for ways to help your mouth get back on track faster, this article may help.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care (First 24-48 Hours)

The first few days after you have your wisdom teeth removed are so important, so make sure you follow your South Perth Dentist’s care instructions to prevent problems like bleeding, swelling, and infection.

Protect the blood clot: Do not rinse or spit forcefully the day after your wisdom tooth surgery. You should also avoid poking and brushing near the extraction site to prevent irritating the wound and dislodging the blood clot. Please remember that after wisdom tooth removal, protecting the blood clot is very important for proper healing.

Control bleeding with gauze: If you notice any bleeding, you can bite down gently on a piece of clean gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, replace the gauze with a clean one until the bleeding reduces.

Looking for more info? Our wisdom teeth removal guide in Perth covers it all.

Brushing and Flossing Guidelines

You can gradually start brushing and flossing again after the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, but you need to be very careful and gentle near the wound. Here’s how to clean your teeth safely:

Start brushing carefully: You can start brushing your teeth again after about 24 hours following your tooth extraction procedure. Make sure you do not brush directly over the extraction site to prevent irritation, bleeding, and any damage to the healing tissue.

Clean your toothbrush thoroughly: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the extraction site. It’s a good idea to rinse your toothbrush with hot water both before and after using it to keep it clean and reduce the risk of bacteria entering your mouth.

Use gentle brushing techniques: When you are brushing your teeth, be gentle and use circular motions. Do not press too hard over the wound to help protect the healing tissue.

Wait to floss near the wound: Flossing too soon near the extraction site may irritate the wound, so it’s best to wait until it has fully healed.

Mouth Rinses and Solutions

Proper oral hygiene after wisdom tooth removal can also include rinsing your mouth with the right solution at the right time:

Wait 24 hours before rinsing: Don’t rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours, and wait until it can begin to heal. After that, you can start rinsing gently.

Use a warm salt water rinse: After 24 hours following your procedure, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and start rinsing your mouth. This can help reduce bacteria and soothe some of your discomfort.  

Rinse 3–4 times a day, especially after meals: Try to rinse your mouth 3–4 times a day, especially after eating, to get rid of food debris and keep the area clean.

Skip alcohol-based mouthwashes: Do not use alcohol-based mouthwashes at first and until your dentist says using them is ok because these mouthwashes can irritate the extraction site and slow down healing. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or a gentle mouthrinse recommended by your dentist instead to help the wound heal faster.

Managing Food Debris and Plaque

After wisdom tooth extraction, the last thing you want is for food particles to get stuck in the extraction site and cause plaque buildup. Let’s look at how to prevent food and plaque from causing problems during your recovery and how to maintain good oral hygiene after wisdom tooth removal to keep your mouth healthy:

Choose soft, gentle foods: It’s best to choose soft foods that are less likely to leave behind small particles or sharp edges in the extraction site. Sticking to soft and gentle foods reduces the risk of them getting stuck in the socket and causing discomfort or other complications like infection.

Rinse gently after eating: Make sure you rinse your mouth with warm saltwater every time you eat something to get rid of food debris and keep the socket clean and free from bacteria.

Avoid hard or small foods like seeds and nuts: Try to stay away from seeds, nuts, or grains until the tissue is completely healed. Small bits of hard foods may enter the extraction site and delay healing or increase the risk of infection.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water: Make sure you drink plenty of water to help wash away food debris and also lower the level of bacteria in your mouth.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

There are a few common habits that can slow down healing or even cause complications after your wisdom tooth removal.

Skip the straw: Did you know that using straws after your wisdom teeth are removed can increase the risk of dislodging the blood clot and getting a dry socket?

Stay away from smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection, so it’s best to avoid them until you’ve fully recovered.

Don’t brush or rinse too aggressively: While it’s important to keep your mouth clean, brushing or rinsing too hard can irritate the wound and disrupt healing. Be gentle and take it slow.

Signs of Infection or Poor Healing

Even with good aftercare, it’s good to be aware of possible warning signs that may indicate something needs more attention. For any dental emergencies that can’t wait, our Emergency Dentist Perth offers immediate, caring support.

Watch for persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste: If you notice an ongoing bad smell or unpleasant taste in your mouth after your wisdom teeth extraction, contact your dentist because it may be a sign of infection.

Notice any swelling that worsens after 48 hours: If the swelling gets worse instead of better after 48 hours, you should talk to your dentist because it may mean that there is an infection going on.

Look out for pus, discharge, or fever: If you notice pus or discharge, or if you have a fever that does not seem to be improving, contact your dentist immediately because these may be warning signs of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an electric toothbrush after wisdom tooth extraction?

For the first few days after your wisdom tooth surgery, it’s best not to use an electric toothbrush because its fast and vigorous movements may disturb the healing tissue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead and brush your teeth gently until your dentist says you can switch to your electric toothbrush.

Is it safe to use a water flosser after wisdom tooth removal?

While water flossers can be beneficial tools for oral hygiene, using them right after your wisdom tooth extraction may irritate the blood clot and cause the tissue to take longer to heal.   

How can I prevent bad breath during recovery?

You can brush your teeth gently, clean your tongue, stay hydrated, and also rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to fight bad breath.  

Is it necessary to clean my tongue after wisdom tooth removal?

Cleaning your tongue gently every time you brush your teeth can help reduce bacteria and prevent bad breath after wisdom tooth removals. You can use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue lightly with your toothbrush.

Can I use mouthwash that contains essential oils?

Mouthwashes that contain essential oils may be effective in reducing plaque. However, you need to ask your dentist to make sure they are suitable to use during your healing process.

How long should I wait before resuming normal oral hygiene routines?

Most people can return to their usual oral hygiene practices after about a week, but different people heal differently. After your dentist extracts your wisdom tooth, they will give you specific instructions about how to take care of your mouth for a smooth recovery.

Is it ok to use a straw after a few days?

Even a few days after your wisdom tooth removal, using a straw may loosen the blood clot and cause problems. Therefore, it’s better to avoid straws for at least a week or until your dentist says it’s alright to use one again.

Can I chew gum during the healing process?

Generally speaking, anything that may increase the risk of dislodging the blood clot too early should be avoided. Chewing gum is also not recommended during the first few days following your wisdom tooth surgery because it may cause damage to the blood clot.

Reliable Care for Your Wisdom Tooth Recovery

Oral hygiene after wisdom tooth removal is so important for a smooth recovery. Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic provides clear guidance and thoughtful support to help you care for your mouth while it heals. Whether you need practical tips or reassurance, we’re here to help. Call us today at (08) 9474 5083.