Wisdom teeth are the third molars that erupt around the ages of 17- 22. These latecomers rarely come alone without any issues. That’s why dentists often suggest wisdom teeth extraction. They send you home with a bunch of care tips after the procedure. One of them is brushing teeth after wisdom teeth removal.
Who Needs Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It’s common for people to keep their wisdom teeth throughout life. Some people may keep their wisdom teeth due to a lack of access to dental care or affordability. If you’re thinking about having your wisdom teeth removed or if your dentist suggests it, it could be because:
- Your wisdom teeth are causing pain and swelling in your gums or jaw.
- They are stuck under the gum (impacted).
- Those third molars might affect current or future dental treatments.
- Your wisdom teeth are pushing against your other teeth, causing crowding.
Avoid Brushing for 24 Hours After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wait 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed before brushing your teeth. This gives time for a blood clot to form at the extraction site, which is important for healing and preventing issues like dry sockets. After 24 hours, you can gently brush your teeth, but avoid the area where the teeth were removed until it fully heals.
Complications of Brushing Immediately After Wisdom Teeth Removal
It might be tempting to brush your teeth immediately after wisdom teeth removal. You may think a massage can help remove discomfort. However, it can impose the following risks:
- Dislodging Blood Clot Formation: Brushing too soon can disturb the blood clot that forms at the extraction site, which is crucial for healing. This can lead to a painful condition called a dry socket. It results in exposing the nerves and bones, causing severe pain and slowing down recovery.
- Infection: Brushing too early can also introduce bacteria to the extraction site, raising the risk of infection. This could lead to more swelling, pain, and discharge.
- Delayed Healing: Brushing too soon can make the healing process take longer. This causes more discomfort and increases the chances of complications.
Tips for Brushing Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Follow your dentist’s instructions on when to start brushing after wisdom tooth removal. Usually, you can begin brushing the next day. For the first two weeks after surgery, be extra careful with brushing:
- Brush slowly around the extraction site.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Take your time to brush gently and thoroughly.
- After eating or drinking, rinse your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt.
- Swish gently, not vigorously.
- Consider using a milder toothpaste to avoid irritation.
Key Note
Due to your wisdom teeth, you cannot compromise the health of your other teeth. That’s why you can start brushing your teeth after wisdom teeth removal, avoiding the extraction site. However, you still must wait for 24 hours to do it.
Visit our dental professionals at Almond Dental. Our dental team provides numerous dental procedures along with effective after-care tips to guide you through the recovery. Dial (612) 782-7000 or (763) 62-7177 for booking an appointment.