How to Brush Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal

A person reaching for their tooth brush, to carefully and gently brush their teeth and wisdom teeth removal.

After your wisdom teeth removal, the last thing you probably want to think about is putting a toothbrush in your mouth. Your mouth might feel a little tender, but our team at Markham Dental wants you to understand how important it is to keep the area clean.

You can start to gently brush your teeth 24 hours after your wisdom teeth removal, taking special care to avoid the surgical site completely.

The First 24 Hours: What You Need to Know

For the first day, your main job is to rest and let your body begin the healing process. This means you should wait to brush your teeth, because introducing a toothbrush too soon can disturb the area and interfere with the initial stages of healing.

Understanding Blood Clotting

During this time, a blood clot forms in the empty hole where the wisdom teeth were, called the socket. This clot is like a natural bandage that protects the underlying bone and nerves, and dislodging it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

Giving Your Mouth a Break

Focus on rest, stay hydrated with clear fluids, and follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your dental team. Your mouth has a lot of healing to do, and giving it a 24-hour break from brushing helps it get off to a strong start.

Your Brush Technique & Timeline

When to Brush Again

After the first 24 hours have passed, you can reintroduce your toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with very soft bristles to be as gentle as possible. Apply a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste and use slow, careful motions when you brush.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re only trying to clean your other teeth, not putting pressure on the parts of your mouth that are healing. Rushing through your routine can lead to accidental bumps or irritation, so take your time and be mindful of your movements.

How to Brush Around the Surgical Site

Avoid direct contact with the extraction area for at least a week, or as directed by your dentist. Gently brush the tops, fronts, and backs of your other teeth. You can brush the teeth next to the extraction site, but move the brush away from the socket, not toward it.

Use a Saltwater Rinse

To clean the surgical area itself, a gentle saltwater rinse is a good option. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a warm cup of water. Instead of swishing vigorously, simply tilt your head from side to side to let the water flow over the area. When you’re done, let the water fall out of your mouth into the sink: Don’t spit forcefully.

A person rinsing their month with a saltwater rinse after wisdom teeth removal.

Tools & Tips for a Smooth Recovery

For the first week, use a mild toothpaste that doesn’t contain harsh whitening agents or strong flavours like mint, which can irritate sensitive tissues.

Avoid Mouthwash Containing Alcohol

You should also avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can cause a stinging sensation and may dry out your mouth, which may slow down the healing process. A saltwater rinse is a much gentler alternative for the first week.

Can I Use My Electric Toothbrush?

While an electric toothbrush or water flosser can be effective for daily use, it’s a good idea to put them both away for a little while. The vibrations and high-pressure water streams can be too intense for a healing surgical site. Stick to a manual brush until your dental office gives you the green light to resume your normal oral care routine.

What to Watch for After You Brush

A little tenderness is normal, but it’s important to know the signs of a complication, just in case. You should seek professional guidance if you experience any of the following:

Pain that seems to get worse after a few days instead of better
Any pus or yellowish discharge from the extraction site
Bleeding that doesn’t stop or slow down after applying gentle pressure with gauze

Follow-Up Care

Your follow-up appointment is an important step in your recovery. It gives your dental team a chance to check on your progress and check to see that everything is healing as it should. This visit is important, even if you feel like you’re recovering well.

Book Your Next Appointment

At Markham Dental, our team understands you have a busy life. With online booking, evening and Saturday hours available, you can get the follow-up care you need without rearranging your entire schedule. If you have any concerns between appointments, don’t hesitate to reach out: Our friendly team is here to make your experience a positive one. Book your appointment today.