How Long Do I Have To Wait To Brush My Teeth After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The wisdom teeth, or third molars, often need to be extracted because there simply isn’t enough room for them to emerge in the average-sized mouth. In most cases, the dental patient needs to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the extraction. Typically, all four molars are removed at the same time. In some instances, the oral surgeon chooses to remove only the wisdom teeth that are impacted and causing problems (crowding and misalignment) for the rest of the teeth. What is the protocol for proper oral hygiene after the surgery? Is brushing teeth after wisdom tooth extraction permitted?
Can You Brush Teeth After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Proper oral hygiene is important, particularly after you have had oral surgery. It is necessary to prevent bacterial infection. Therefore, your oral surgeon will speak to you about brushing your teeth after wisdom tooth extraction. You should also find details regarding the brushing of your teeth after wisdom tooth extraction in the set of printed instructions that you are given to take home with you. Typically, brushing teeth after a wisdom tooth extraction can be done carefully within the first twenty-four hours once the bleeding has stopped.
What Should You Look Out for When Brushing Teeth After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After your surgery, some bleeding is to be expected. Clean gauze should be applied with light pressure to help slow/stop the bleeding. You should wait to brush your teeth after wisdom tooth extraction until the bleeding has stopped. If you inadvertently disturb the clots that form while brushing, you should apply clean gauze to halt the bleeding.
How Should I Brush My Teeth after Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Once the bleeding has stopped, you can brush your teeth normally, using your regular toothbrush and toothpaste. It is important to brush gently and slowly at first, just in case you accidentally approach the surgical area. You should rinse your mouth carefully, using a method that does not involve spitting since that has the potential to disturb the clots. Simply allow the water to roll over your teeth gently and to flow back out of your mouth without swishing or spitting.