Many people are afraid brushing will damage the socket, so they skip brushing for days. In fact you should still keep your mouth clean, you just need to know the correct way.
- After an extraction you should still brush, but gently and avoiding the extraction site.
- In the first 24 hours do not rinse hard, spit forcefully or use a straw, so the blood clot is not dislodged.
- From the second day you can rinse gently with warm saline after meals.
- Bleeding that will not stop, growing pain after two to three days or a bad smell means you should return.
After an extraction, you are usually told not to rinse hard, so many people wrongly understand that they must not brush at all. In fact a dirty mouth makes the socket more prone to infection. You should still brush, just carefully and avoiding the exact spot that was extracted.
The first 24 hours: gentle and avoid the socket
- You can brush on the evening itself, but only brush the other teeth with a soft toothbrush.
- Keep the bristles away from the fresh socket so you do not dislodge the blood clot.
- Do not rinse hard, spit forcefully or use a straw, because the pressure can dislodge the blood clot.
- Simply let clean water run gently around the mouth and tilt your head to let it flow out.
From the second day: rinse and brush more thoroughly
- Start rinsing gently with warm saline after meals.
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and you may brush gently near the site but still not touch the socket directly.
- Clean between the other teeth with gentle floss.
What to avoid
- Do not touch the socket with your tongue or fingers.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for a few days, see smoking and drinking after a tooth extraction.
- Do not use a strong alcohol based mouthwash in the first days.
Eating and signs to come back
In the first days eat soft, cool food, see what to eat after a tooth extraction. If bleeding will not stop, pain grows after two to three days, there is a bad smell or taste or the socket looks empty, read what a dry socket is and return for a check.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. Please follow the specific instructions your dentist gives after your own extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
Yes, but brush gently with a soft brush, avoid the site that was extracted and do not rinse hard in the first 24 hours.
When can I rinse with salt water after an extraction?
From the second day you can rinse gently with warm saline after meals. Do not rinse hard in the first 24 hours.
Why should I not rinse hard after an extraction?
Because the pressure of hard rinsing can dislodge the blood clot in the socket, causing renewed bleeding or a dry socket.