If your dentist or dental surgeon has extracted a wisdom tooth, proper care and post-operative care is required to heal completely and quickly. If you don't brush your teeth and mouth properly, you could cause a painful infection or inflammation, known as "dry alveolitis" (alveolar osteitis). Generally this disorder occurs in 20% of cases of lower arch wisdom teeth extractions, so you need to be sure you are taking all necessary precautions after surgery. You will need to take care of your mouth for at least a week after tooth extraction, but you will need a few simple procedures that do not require too much time or effort.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean the Teeth
Step 1. Change the gauze according to your doctor's instructions
After the surgery, your doctor will cover the incised area with gauze that you will need to replace about every hour if necessary. If you see that the wound continues to bleed, you need to change the dressing every 30-45 minutes and apply gentle pressure. The bleeding should not last more than a few hours; however, if it continues beyond this time, call your dentist or ask your doctor for advice.
It is normal for some blood to come out of the surgery site in the first 24-48 hours afterwards, but it should be mostly saliva with some blood. however, if it comes out in greater quantities, it means that there is bleeding and you need to contact your doctor
Step 2. Do not brush your teeth on the first day after the extraction
You should not wash, spit or rinse your mouth with mouthwash during the first day after surgery, otherwise you could compromise the healing process and risk causing some problems, such as dry alveolitis or some other infection.
The first 24 hours are very important to allow for proper healing. If you brush your teeth or take other oral cleaning measures, you could damage the stitches or interfere with the healing process, prolonging recovery time or causing an infection
Step 3. Avoid brushing the extraction area for three days
You must allow this time to pass before brushing the area from where the wisdom tooth was extracted. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with a solution of 120 ml of warm water and a pinch of salt starting the day after the surgery.
Don't spit out the saline solution you rinse with. Instead, tilt your head to the side and have the water wash the affected area, then turn your head to the other side and just let the water out of your mouth
Step 4. Brush the other teeth very carefully and slowly
On the day you have had your extraction surgery, you can brush your other teeth while paying close attention. Make sure not to hit the site of the operation so as not to irritate or break the blood clot that has formed and that protects it.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently and slowly, following a small circular motion.
- Avoid spitting out the toothpaste during the first few days, because it is a bit violent action that can disturb the formation of the clot that instead must develop on the injured gum. Alternatively, use a saline solution or an antiseptic mouthwash and rinse your mouth very gently; finally let the liquid out of your mouth by simply tilting your head.
Step 5. Go back to your regular teeth cleaning and flossing routine from the third day after the extraction
From now on, you can go back to brushing your teeth and follow your oral hygiene procedures as usual. However, be sure to always be gentle when brushing the area of the surgical incision, so as not to irritate it.
When brushing your teeth, also remember to clean your tongue, to get rid of any food and bacteria that could get into the injured gum and cause an infection
Step 6. Check for infections
If you follow the directions given to you by your doctor and keep your mouth and teeth clean, you can minimize the risk of infections. In any case, it is important to pay attention to any signs of bacterial overgrowth and contact your doctor if unusual symptoms occur, in order to avoid post-operative complications.
See your doctor right away if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, if you have a fever, pus comes out near the extraction site or from the nose, or if the swelling in the painful area gets worse
Part 2 of 3: Clean the Mouth
Step 1. Rinse your mouth with a saline solution
The day after your surgery, use a simple salt water solution to keep your mouth clean until you return to brushing regularly. In this way you not only allow a cleaning of the oral cavity, but also reduce inflammation.
- To prepare the saline solution, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of hot water.
- Move the mixture gently throughout your mouth for 30 seconds. In the end, don't spit it out, but tilt your head to one side and run the water out of your mouth; this way you avoid irritating the hole left on the gum.
- Rinse your mouth with this saline solution after each meal to free your mouth from any food residue.
- Alternatively, you can also use a mouthwash, as long as it doesn't contain alcohol (it could irritate the extraction site).
Step 2. Use a sprinkler to rinse your mouth
Your dentist may provide you with one, or you can use a small plastic syringe to gently clean your mouth. Follow this hygiene procedure after meals and before bed if your doctor recommends it.
- The dentist will prescribe the irrigator only if the extraction took place in the lower arch of the teeth. Make sure you follow his directions carefully.
- You can use a simple saline solution to fill the oral irrigator.
- Make sure that the spray is aimed close to the extraction site to rinse the surrounding area well, although you can use this tool for the entire oral cavity. This procedure may be slightly painful, but it is important to keep the surgery area clean and reduce the risk of infection or alveolar osteitis.
Step 3. Do not use too aggressive or too powerful water jets
The water pressure from these instruments is too strong, if applied immediately after surgery, and could compromise the formation of the blood clot, slowing healing. Unless your dentist specifically instructs you, you should not use these devices for at least a week after the extraction.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Mouth After Extraction
Step 1. Don't drink through a straw
In the first few days after surgery, avoid using a straw to drink soft drinks or foods such as smoothies and milkshakes, as sucking does not help the healing process.
Step 2. Drink lots of water
You need to ensure adequate fluid intake after surgery to keep your mouth moist and avoid infections and dry alveolitis.
- On the first day, you should also avoid caffeine-based or fizzy drinks.
- You must also give up alcoholic beverages for at least a week.
Step 3. Don't drink hot liquids
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate can dissolve the blood clot that is forming on the wound, which is essential to facilitate healing.
Step 4. Eat soft or liquid foods only
Do not eat anything that can get stuck in the empty cavity left by the tooth and that can prevent proper coagulation. If you have to chew food, do it on the other side of your mouth; in this way you minimize the risk that food residues can get stuck between the teeth causing possible infections.
- Eat soft foods like yoghurt and apple juice on the first day after extraction, which do not irritate the mouth and leave no residue between the teeth, which in turn could cause unpleasant infections. A cup of soft oatmeal or pudding are great options.
- Avoid hard, chewy, crumbly, too hot or spicy foods, which can irritate the surgery area or get stuck between the teeth, promoting ideal conditions for an infection.
- Remember to always rinse your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt after each meal during the first week of recovery.
Step 5. Avoid tobacco
Whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you need to give up this habit for as long as possible. Doing so allows the wound to heal completely and in the right time, keeping possible infections and inflammation under control.
- If you use tobacco products immediately after surgery, you slow the healing time and increase the risk of complications, including infections.
- If you are a smoker, wait at least 72 hours before lighting your cigarettes again.
- If, on the other hand, you chew tobacco, do not continue with this habit for at least a week.
Step 6. Take some pain relievers
It is normal to feel pain for a few days after a wisdom tooth extraction. You can either take over-the-counter pain relievers or have your dentist prescribe stronger medications to soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
- Take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These help relieve swelling due to the surgery. You can also take acetaminophen, but keep in mind that this does not reduce inflammation.
- Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if over-the-counter medications do not give the desired results.
Step 7. Apply an ice pack to treat swelling and pain
Probably the area subjected to the incision will be swollen for a few days; this is completely normal and you can apply ice to your cheek to reduce edema and discomfort, including what you feel around your other teeth.
- The swelling usually goes away within 2-3 days.
- You need to try to relax and avoid strenuous activities or workouts until the swelling subsides.
