Tooth extraction treatment is something that nobody ever wants to go through, because it involves removing a tooth due to tooth decay or an impacted wisdom tooth.
Nonetheless, sometimes tooth extraction treatment is necessary to preserve your overall oral health, but it can be avoided if you keep your teeth and gums strong.
Once treatment is complete, a blood clot forms around the affected area where the tooth has been removed. The blood clot is the first part of the healing process. The oral surgeon will provide a gauze pad for you to bite down on to stem any bleeding.
What is just as important as a blood clot is aftercare. Your oral routine plays a key role in your recovery.
The focus is on tips for brushing teeth after tooth extraction treatment.
Follow the tips outlined below for smooth recovery from tooth extraction treatment.
- Do Not Brush Your Teeth Immediately After Treatment – The oral surgeon will recommend that you do not brush your teeth the same day of treatment. This is because the healing formulation (the blood clot) does not start straight away. This can cause a condition known as a dry socket. Therefore, brushing against the affected area can disturb the healing process and cause bacterial infection. When the next day arrives, always be gentle with brushing around the affected area.
- Clean Your Mouth Regularly – It is important that your mouth remains clean during the day and at night. The blood clot needs to form where there is no danger of bacteria or food particles touching it. Doing this may cause also cause infection and disturb the blood clot.
- Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater – The dentist is likely to stitch up the wound against the affected area. Therefore, once you’ve brushed your teeth, rinse your mouth with saltwater. This is so that any food particles remain clear from the blood clot. Swirl the saltwater gently around the mouth. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.
- Use A Soft-Bristle Toothbrush – Our experienced dentist always recommend that you brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. This is especially required if a tooth has been extracted. Gently brush around the blood clot area. Brushing vigorously will dislodge the blood clot.
- Floss Your Teeth After A Week – The blood clot needs to form first before you can consider flossing. This is because the floss film may get in touch with the blood clot, causing it to dislodge. Once the blood clot has formed, you can return to flossing, but always be gentle.
Why Are These Tips Important?
Brushing teeth after tooth extraction needs to be performed correctly. When it comes to tooth extraction treatment, if you disturb the blood clot, you will experience sensitivity and potential inflammation, called alveolar osteitis. The oral surgeon can provide you with further tips so that you’re taking the necessary precautions as part of your recovery, and also advise on tips to reduce tooth decay.
For further information on brushing teeth after tooth extraction treatment, contact our Bendigo dentists here and we can help!
