Can you brush your teeth the morning of wisdom teeth surgery

The way you care for yourself after wisdom teeth removal can make all the difference in your recovery. Here’s a list of what to do (and what not to do) to get you back on your feet after you get your wisdom teeth out.

Table of Contents Show

The day of the wisdom teeth removal
The day after the wisdom teeth removal
72 hours after the wisdom teeth removal
What to do if there is bleeding when brushing your teeth
Can you use mouthwash after a wisdom teeth removal?
The day of the wisdom teeth removal
The day after the wisdom teeth removal
Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after a wisdom teeth removal
Can you brush your teeth the morning before wisdom teeth surgery?
What can you not do before wisdom teeth surgery?
When can you start brushing teeth next to wisdom teeth extraction site?
What should I do the morning before wisdom teeth removal?

DO

Take it easy. You will need plenty of rest after your surgery, so plan on keeping your activity to a minimum. You will likely need someone to drive you home after the procedure, and it’s also a good idea to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Eat soft foods. Your mouth will not be able to tolerate anything more than soft foods after surgery. Yogurt, applesauce, pudding and Jell-O are all good options for the first day.

Manage your pain. Your doctor or oral surgeon will have your companion fill your prescription medication while you’re in surgery, so you can stay on top of the pain right away. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and ibuprofen are also helpful for pain management. To reduce swelling and bruising, and relieve pain at the same time, hold an ice pack against your mouth.

DON’T

Drink certain beverages. Alcoholic, caffeinated or hot drinks are a no-no for the first 24 hours. Opt for plenty of water instead. And avoid using a straw, as the sucking motion may loosen a blood clot from the socket.

Spit. You may have some bleeding for the first day, which is normal. It’s important that you try to avoid spitting, which can dislodge a blood clot in the socket. Your doctor or oral surgeon will supply you with gauze to absorb any excess blood. Wear it (and change it) often for the first 24 hours.

Brush your teeth. You can disrupt your stitches if you brush your teeth, use mouthwash or rinse your mouth the first day. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water and brush your teeth, but take special care to avoid the stitched area.

Use tobacco. Tobacco products can prohibit healing and increase the risk of complications. Avoid smoking for as long as possible, but at least for the first 24 hours. And chewing tobacco should be avoided for at least a week.

Want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal? Contact the Montefiore Department of Dentistry.
For more information about any of the services we offer, please contact Drs. Kraut, Rogoff, Newsome and Kakanantadilok. Our office is located in the Bronx and can be reached at 888-700-6623. We look forward to meeting you.

Wisdom tooth removal blog post

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You probably have a few questions if you are about to have your wisdom teeth removed. These might include: when can I brush my teeth after a wisdom teeth removal, and can I use mouthwash?

Clinique MFML’s maxillofacial surgeons answer these questions for you.

The day of the wisdom teeth removal

Do not brush your teeth on the day of your wisdom teeth removal. The first 24 hours after extraction are very important for the healing process and it is important not to interfere with this process since it could cause an infection. In fact, infections are one of the possible wisdom teeth removal complications.

If you brush your teeth directly or shortly after the procedure, you risk displacing the stitches.

The day after the wisdom teeth removal

Unless otherwise indicated, you can start brushing your teeth again the day after the wisdom teeth removal. Keeping the area clean also helps prevent infection.

However, avoid brushing too close to the area where the teeth were removed since the healing process is still ongoing.

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth using slow circular motions.

Most importantly, do not spit the toothpaste. This can dislodge the blood clot that has formed.

72 hours after the wisdom teeth removal

You can start brushing your teeth normally 72 hours after the wisdom teeth are removed. You should still avoid brushing too close to the removal area since it is still healing.

What to do if there is bleeding when brushing your teeth

If there is bleeding when brushing your teeth, take a 2 x 2 compress and gently bite down on it for a few minutes. Read our postoperative instructions for more information on what to do after a wisdom teeth removal.

Can you use mouthwash after a wisdom teeth removal?

The day of the wisdom teeth removal

You should not spit or gargle excessively on the day of the wisdom teeth removal since this could dislodge the blood clot. Mouthwash should not be used on the day of wisdom tooth extraction.

The day after the wisdom teeth removal

The day after the removal, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with a little warm salted water. We recommend that you mix 1/3 teaspoon of salt in 250ml of warm water, or use the mouthwash that has been prescribed to you.

Do not spit the solution. Tilt your head to one side then to the other to rinse the affected area with the solution for at least 30 seconds. Then open your mouth and let the water run off gently without spitting it out.

Rinse your mouth using this technique until completely healed or as directed by your maxillofacial surgeon.

Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after a wisdom teeth removal

This concludes our overview. Now you know when to brush your teeth after a wisdom tooth removal. You also know when and how to rinse your mouth after a wisdom teeth removal.

To deepen your knowledge, we invite you to read our article What are the various surgical techniques for wisdom tooth removal? You will learn more about the wisdom teeth removal procedure.

Can you brush your teeth the morning before wisdom teeth surgery?

Can I brush my teeth the morning of surgery? Yes. You may brush your teeth and swish with a small amount of water to rinse.

What can you not do before wisdom teeth surgery?

You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment. No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery. The negative effects of tobacco last up to two weeks after smoking cessation.

When can you start brushing teeth next to wisdom teeth extraction site?

According to the American Dental Association, do not clean the teeth right next to the healing area for the rest of the day. However, you should start to brush and floss the very next day. Be careful when brushing, making sure to be gentle near the extraction site.

What should I do the morning before wisdom teeth removal?

If you are scheduled to have intravenous sedation: You may not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment. For morning surgery, no food or liquids after midnight the night before surgery. Clear liquids (anything you can see through) may be taken up to 4 hours before surgery.