Should I Use Mouthwash Just After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are never exciting dental experiences, partly because you are about to lose a tooth or teeth. Even though the tooth is damaged, no one enjoys losing their teeth. However, if our Grimsby dentist recommends the procedure, then there is no other way.

Always remember that our priority is to save your teeth at all costs. But if this isn’t possible, our dentist will look at the scenario that will benefit your oral health. You might not fancy the procedure, but it will help alleviate pain and remove the infection.

So, after wisdom tooth extraction, how do you keep your gums healthy, and is there a way that you can speed up healing? Is it okay to use mouthwash to clean your mouth? Well, let’s find out!

Should You Use Mouthwash After Tooth Extraction?

Yes, you can! Using mouthwash after a tooth extraction is okay to help speed up recovery. However, you might need to avoid the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes since they can delay healing, even though they have antimicrobial properties. Plus, it can cause the socket to dry up, which can be quite painful. So, go for the non-alcoholic formulas.

Even though mouthwashes are good in the overall healing process, it is not safe to use them immediately after the extraction. Using mouthwash can cause the clot to dislodge, which will be counterproductive. Healing begins with clot formation at the injury site.

Therefore, our dentist recommends that you wait for at least 24 hours before using mouthwash. When you wait 24 hours, you will give your body enough time to form a clot, thus stopping the bleeding.

However, don’t decide to get a mouthwash without discussing this with our dentist. At times, going for a mouthwash might not be beneficial in your case, or you might need to wait a few more days before using them.

Is It Okay to Rinse Your Mouth After a Tooth Extraction?

Another big issue after a tooth extraction is rinsing the mouth. You will still need to care for your teeth even if there is a socket that needs to undergo healing. If you don’t care for your teeth, you will increase the chances of the extraction site being infected.

You will need to swish warm salt water in your mouth and then let it pour out of your mouth into the sink. Don’t gargle or spit since this action will cause the clot to dislodge.

You will need to use a soft toothbrush, which you will use to clean your teeth. But avoid brushing close to the extraction, which can irritate.

If you wait for about four days and then begin rinsing your mouth, you will be okay.

What Kind of Mouthwash Can You Use?

Proper aftercare is key in speeding up the healing process and avoiding reinfection. It is always good if you have various tooth-cleaning options. Investing in a good mouthwash is always an added advantage.

But before you go down this road, remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing or flossing your teeth.

So, the one thing you should do is avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. With that out of the way, some of the good options in the market are:

• Oxygenating mouthwash, which contains oxygenating agents to reduce bacteria in the mouth and promote healing
• Peroxyl mouthwash, which contains hydrogen peroxide and is effective at reducing inflammation and promoting healing
• A salt water rinse is the simplest yet most effective way to cleanse the mouth and promote healing

Other Aftercare Tips

For healing to occur in the stipulated time, you must adhere to our dentist’s guidelines. Some of the things that you should strive to do throughout the healing stage are:

• Watch What You Eat

Once the bleeding stops, you will need to stay hydrated by taking water; avoid carbonated drinks. Gravitate towards soft foods and work your way to your normal diet.

• Avoid Smoking

Smoking will delay the healing process and can even cause the clot to dislodge.

• Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol will cause your mouth to dry up and will slow down healing. So, wait for about a week before you resume consumption

• Keep Your Oral Cavity Clean

Brush and floss each day without fail. Just avoid the extraction site, and all will be fine.

If you have any questions, you can always reach out to the dental team or visit us at our dental office, Smiles of Canada, and we would love to help you.