When Can I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

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When can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal? After your wisdom teeth are taken out, it's even more important to take care of your mouth. Good oral care makes sure that people heal well and helps them avoid problems.

But it can be scary to brush your teeth after having your wisdom teeth taken out. After an extraction, the mouth and jaw can be very sore and painful, and many people wonder when and how to brush their teeth.

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The extraction of wisdom teeth, sometimes known simply as wisdom tooth removal, is a routine dental surgical treatment. Dentists may advise you to have this procedure in order to maintain your dental health and safeguard your other teeth against any complications in the future.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located at the very rear of your mouth, behind your other molars. In most cases, they become visible (also known as "grow in") between the ages of 17 and 25.

Wisdom teeth are thought by scientists to be vestigial structures, which are portions of the human body that are not required for normal function. Our ancestors need these teeth in order to grind and chew raw flesh, as well as leaves, nuts, and roots.

These days, most of our food is prepared, and we use cutlery like forks and knives to chop it up into more manageable portions. Because of this, we no longer have a true need for our wisdom teeth.

Some individuals have one wisdom tooth in each of the four corners of their mouth (the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right). Some people have one, some have two, some have three, and others have none at all.

It makes no difference how many wisdom teeth you have or don't have; this does not indicate a problem with your oral health in any way. It's nothing more than a little deviation from the usual and a manifestation of the ever-evolving evolutionary process.

When Can I Start Brushing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After having your wisdom teeth out, practicing good dental hygiene may have a big impact on how quickly you recover.

How do I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal? In most cases, you will be able to and in most cases should brush your teeth on the same day as your operation, provided that you follow the suggestions of your dentist.

To put it another way, you should wash your teeth as you normally would before going to bed the night before you have surgery on your wisdom teeth.

However, since your mouth is so sensitive at this time, it is essential that you brush carefully so as not to irritate the region where the extraction was performed.

Brushing in the vicinity of the extraction site should be avoided until you feel comfortable determining that it has sufficiently healed, which is often after a few days.

You should also use an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent germs from building up in your mouth during this period since your mouth will be more sensitive than usual.

Can I use toothpaste after wisdom teeth removal? Yes, you can use toothpaste after wisdom teeth removal, but it's important to do so gently and with caution. Opt for a toothpaste that is non-abrasive and free of strong flavors or irritants.

Brush the other teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction sites for the first few days to prevent any disruption to the healing process. As you heal, you can gradually reintroduce gentle brushing around the extraction sites.

Can I brush my tongue after wisdom teeth removal? Brushing your tongue after wisdom teeth removal is generally safe, as long as you do it gently and avoid putting excessive pressure on the extraction sites.

Be mindful not to irritate or disturb the healing areas. If your tongue brushing technique involves vigorous scrubbing, it's advisable to be extra cautious around the extraction sites for the first few days to ensure a smooth recovery process.

A woman is brushing her teeth.

How To Take Care Of Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Undergoing wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that requires proper care to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Following post-operative instructions and adopting good oral hygiene practices are essential for promoting healing and preventing complications.

Follow Post-Operative Instructions

After your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific post-operative instructions.

It's crucial to adhere to these guidelines, which may include recommendations for pain management, dietary restrictions, and wound care. Following these instructions helps minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is vital for preventing infection and promoting healing. Here's how to care for your teeth and mouth after wisdom teeth removal:

Brush Gently -Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction sites for the first few days.
Rinse Carefully -Rinse your mouth with warm salt water as directed by your dentist. This helps keep the extraction sites clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid Spitting -To prevent dislodging blood clots, avoid vigorous spitting or using a straw for the first few days.

Dietary Considerations

Your diet plays a crucial role in your recovery. Stick to soft, cool, and easily chewable foods for the initial days to avoid putting excessive pressure on the healing sites.

Some suitable options include yogurt, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods that can irritate the extraction sites.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for healing. Drink plenty of water, preferably at room temperature. Avoid carbonated and sugary beverages, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

Pain Management

It's normal to experience some discomfort after wisdom teeth removal. Follow your dentist's recommendations for pain management, which may include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.

Rest And Recovery

Give your body ample time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous activities, especially in the first few days after the procedure. Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce swelling.

Follow-Up Appointments

Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or complications.

Monitor For Complications

Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, persistent pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.

Tips For Brushing After Wisdom Tooth Removal

After having your wisdom teeth extracted, you should begin cleaning your teeth as soon as your dentist tells you to start doing so. The majority of the time, they will tell you to begin brushing your teeth the next day.

It's possible that you'll need to be particularly careful while cleaning your teeth for the first two weeks or so following the procedure. Following the extraction of your wisdom teeth, it is important to remember the following while brushing your teeth:

Be very cautious while you are in the vicinity of the extraction site. Gently scrub the area.
Pick a toothbrush with a gentle bristle texture.
Do not be in a hurry; instead, take your time to clean your teeth in a way that is both thorough and safe.
Mix some warm water with salt, and then swirl it around in your mouth after you've eaten or drunk anything.
When you are rinsing your mouth, swirl the water around in a gently manner rather than an aggressive one.
If you want to prevent irritation, you might consider using a more gentle toothpaste.

Dos And Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After surgery, you'll follow the instructions your doctor gives you. By adhering to these guidelines, you will be better able to control post-operative bleeding, edema, and discomfort.

While you wait, consider the following "dos and don'ts" after having your wisdom teeth extracted:

Do

Maintain the use of gauze for the first 30 minutes after operation. If dirty, replace with new gauze. When to quit using gauze after wisdom teeth extraction is something your surgeon can tell you. In most cases, however, removal is safe after bleeding has slowed. Some seeping is to be expected, but heavy bleeding is not.
Get as much shut-eye as possible. For the next several days, preferably between three and five, you should rest at home. It may be necessary to wait longer before going back to work if your job is very strenuous on the body.
If you want to minimize swelling, freeze it down. Use a clean cloth to apply the ice pack to your face. Switch it off for 20 minutes, then back on again. Perform several times daily.
Maintain a clean environment at all times at extraction sites. The surgical sites should be thoroughly soaked in alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash. Don't make any sweeping motions. Dry sockets, in which the bone at the extraction site becomes painfully exposed, may be caused by swishing, which can remove blood clots. Let the mouthwash sink in by leaning your head to either side.
Keep up your daily brushing and flossing of the remaining teeth. Even if you shouldn't brush the areas where teeth were extracted, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene in general. This lowers the potential for infection.
Don't forget to take your meds! Your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to ensure your safety and comfort throughout surgery. Please continue taking these drugs unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.

Don't

Put your straw to good use. Dry sockets are the result of blood clots being dislodged.
You should wait to start exercising until you hear back from your surgeon. The likelihood of experiencing discomfort, bleeding, and edema increases as heart rate rises. In most cases, you'll be good to go within 48 to 72 hours.
Carry hefty loads. Postoperative discomfort, bleeding, and edema are all made worse by heavy lifting.
Take in some crunchy, chewy, or hard foods. These might irritate your sore, healing gums.
Alcoholic or fizzy drinks will do the trick. Dry sockets may be caused by drinking these drinks because they disrupt blood clotting. For the next five days, abstain from these beverages.

Final Thoughts

When can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal? While it's essential to give your mouth time to heal in the initial hours after wisdom teeth removal, you can typically begin gently brushing your teeth around 24 hours after the procedure.

Prioritize caution, use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and follow your dentist's recommendations for a smooth and comfortable recovery.

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