When can i use listerine after wisdom tooth extraction

I am a 24 year old female. I want to know if I can use Listerine after tooth extraction?

7 Answers

You should not rinse at all with anything for at least 24 house post extraction, as it may interfere with clot formation. Listerine is a good rinse and can be used after that.

Best to wait until the day after extraction. Also best to rinse gently for the first few days post extraction.

We recommend that patients rinse with warm salt water beginning 24 hours after the extraction, provided there is hemostasis. We do not generally recommend using Listerine following a tooth extraction.

No, rinsing can dislodge clot preventing the extraction site from healing.

Wait 24-48 hours after an extraction to rinse. Listerine is okay, alcohol free Listerine is a good choice because it's more mild.

Normally, it's better not to do any mouthwash within 24 hour after extraction. Do brush your teeth and gentle mouthwash, but do not irritate the area at least 3 days.

Not for the first 24 hours

About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS

​

Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started!

​

Association Memberships:

• American Dental Association

• New York State Dental Association

• Queens Count Dental Society

​

​

Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible.

​

The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional.

​

Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life!

The general rule of thumb is to wait 48 hours before using mouthwash after a tooth extraction. Mouthwash contains strong anti-bacterial properties, and if used too soon after an extraction, it can irritate or dry the mucosa, increasing the likelihood of developing a condition called “dry socket” (also known as alveolar osteitis). If dry socket occurs, healing of the extraction site will be delayed, and discomfort is prolonged.

What is a Mouth Wash?

Mouth wash is a dental product designed for use in the mouth. It is swished around to clean and freshen the mouth and then discarded. Mouth wash typically contains antimicrobial and other ingredients designed to inhibit odor-causing sulfur compounds and reduce the bacteria that contribute to gum disease and gingivitis. While it can’t replace daily brushing and flossing for getting rid of the bulk of oral bacteria, it may provide some additional long-term benefits.

According to the ADA, the ADA categorizes mouth wash or mouth rinses as either a cosmetic mouth rinse or therapeutic mouth rinse. Cosmetic mouth rinses as those that do not contain medicinal ingredients and are meant to freshen breath only. Therapeutic mouth rinses, on the other hand, include substances such as fluoride and can help protect teeth from cavities, keep your mouth clean, control plaque, reduce gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay.

Should I rinse my mouth after an extraction?

After a tooth is pulled, your Fairview dentist recommends avoiding vigorous rinsing for at least 24 hours. The first stage of healing involves a blood clot that helps to stop the bleeding. Vigorous rinsing could disrupt the clot and allow more bleeding, and spitting it out can also disturb or dislodge the blood clot. After 24 hours, you can use a salt-water mouth wash to help clean and heal the area. To help cleanse the area and speed up recovery, mix together a teaspoon of salt and warm water and gently rinse your mouth. Do this twice a day for at least a week or as long as your dentist recommends. When you’re done rinsing your mouth, spit gently into a sink, allowing gravity to do most of the work. Do not spit forcefully as you may agitate the extraction site. After 48 hours, you may then use your mouth wash.

When Can I Brush My Teeth?

After your tooth extraction, it is advisable to avoid any sort of oral hygiene for the first 24 hours. This includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Following your tooth extraction, your healing tooth socket needs to be left alone for the first 24 hours so that a blood clot can begin forming and the healing process can begin. After the first 24 hours, you may brush your teeth carefully, but be sure not to brush too hard or come into contact with the extraction site.

Can I Use Mouthwash after My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Following a wisdom tooth removal, it is recommended not to use mouthwash after wisdom tooth removal for up to 48 hours. The same do’s, and don’ts apply as with a wisdom tooth extraction.

What's The Healing Time After A Tooth Extraction?

After undergoing a tooth extraction, you can expect to experience the following stages of healing. Although everyone heals differently, the following stages are common:

• First 24 hours – After an extraction, you may expect a clot to form in the socket. Get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activity. During this time, you may experience minor bleeding, swelling, and some pain within the first 24 hours after having a tooth pulled. If these symptoms get worse, or you experience severe pain, contact your dentist immediately. 
• Day after surgery –  Following an extraction, patients should avoid dislodging the blood clot. Dislodging the blood clot could cause a painful condition called dry socket. After tooth extraction, do not suck on a straw or brush in the area of your tooth extraction.
• After three days – The gums will begin to heal and cover the extraction site within three days of a tooth being pulled.
• After one week – Within 7 to 10 days after the extraction, the socket formed by the removal of the tooth will have begun to heal. By that time, any discomfort or tenderness should have subsided.

We’re Here for you

If you have questions about tooth extractions, extraction of wisdom teeth, tooth extraction healing process, or want to know how we can help restore your natural smile, contact us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440

Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.

When can you start using mouthwash after wisdom tooth extraction?

How soon after oral surgery can you use mouthwash?