Wise teeth removal is a quite serious process and one must have enough knowledge of how to take care of themselves after the operation. You can use different methods like laser teeth whitening, for your teeth brightness. When it comes to the type of care that can be provided to patients, one of the most fundamental care techniques is dental hygiene and the power of brushing one’s teeth. Check out this detailed article that offers the best approach that can be taken when brushing the teeth after having the third molars removed.
Understanding the Healing Process
Following your surgery, you will go through a healing process whereby your mouth heals from the extracted wisdom teeth. The clots of blood develop on the extraction sites, with which the body needs to heal. If these clots are removed from the wound site, It may result in a condition called dry socket and hence washing should be gentle.
When to Start Brushing
As for the brushing of the teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will probably give you details on when it is possible to start brushing the teeth. In most of the cases, this is suggested to be done at least a day after the surgery or operation. After this period one can start brushing but gently as the gums are very sensitive at this stage of development.
Tools You Will Need
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush:
Using a softheaded brush is safer for your teeth and gums that are healing or sensitive to pressure.
Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash:
It is recommended to rinse the mouth with a mouthwash that does not contain any alcohol in it as it can make the mouth dry and sore.
Salt Water:
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can be of benefit since it would reduce inflammation and the process of healing.
Gentle Toothpaste:
Select a nonabrasive, fluoride-containing paste for it may cause inflammation in sensitive regions.
Step-by-Step Brushing Guide
Step 1: Assemble Your Materials
First of all, ensure that you have your soft bristle toothbrush, the toothpaste, and any rinsing agents you wish to use handy. The best time to brush is after eating meals and before you go to bed at night.
Step 2: Use of Mouthwash
The second step involved rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash of some sort. This aids in the removal of debris at the extraction site and makes your mouth ready for brushing. Gargle with warm salt water and for this you should mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. After you’ve rinsed with swish for 30 seconds, spit it out very gently.
Step 3: Brush Gently
Angle the Brush:
Put the bristles of your toothbrush at an angle of forty-five degrees to the gums.
Use Light Pressure:
Press with light pressure to avoid pointing at the areas that have developed scar tissues. If you have some teeth that you can easily reach, avoid the extraction sites for the first few days.
Short Strokes:
To save your gums, the brush strokes used should be light and short in movement across the surface of your teeth. Focus on those sections that appear rather clean and fresh.
Avoid the Extraction Sites:
Do not switch to different extraction sites for at least 2 to 3 days because doing so means there is a risk of pushing the blood clots. However, this should not deter you from brushing the other teeth and cleaning the remainder of your tongue.
Step 4: Rinse Again
After the brushing, use warm salt water to rinse your mouth in case it’s not too painful you can just spit out the saliva in your mouth. This assists in washing teeth and mouth, removing any remaining toothpaste as well as getting rid of bacteria and other debris pile-up. Do not rinse vigorously because this also helps to wash out the clots.
Some Other Oral Tips You Should Know
Avoid Hard Foods:
As a result, avoid taking foods that need a lot of churning, especially in the first few days of the recovery process. This is especially important when eating foods such as yogurt, mashed potato, and smoothies among others.
Stay Hydrated:
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and try to stay clear from bottles with a straw for the first couple of days due to the suckling’s interference with the healing process.
Follow-Up Care:
Go for any recall visits that your dentist may have recommended. This way, your healing begins and you will be able to know whether or not it is on track.
Signs of Complications
Of course, daily brushing and proper hygiene are cardinal, yet, it is possible to note certain symptoms of complications. These complications are also true for laser teeth whitening. If you notice any of the following, contact your dentist immediately:
Severe Pain:
Severe pain that does not respond or get worse, after taking normal pain relief drugs.
Swelling:
Symptoms that cause the affected area to become extremely swollen and if after a few days, they even become more swollen.
Fever:
There is a possibility, that a fever could mean that one is infected.
Bad Breath:
It is therefore important to distinguish between normal and foul smells of bad breath which may be as a result of infection, or dry socket.
Conclusion
It is a very sensitive process to brush your teeth after the surgery of removing the wisdom teeth. If you are following different processes like laser teeth whitening for your teeth, you have to follow all these methods. By adhering to the steps that have been highlighted in this guide, it will be possible to practice proper oral hygiene while giving the mouth the much-needed time to heal. It is important to follow some precautions during this period so make sure to hear your body and consult your dentist in case of some problems. Following this line of treatment, you will be back brushing your teeth and flossing like before.