Can I Use Mouthwash After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, often necessitated by issues such as severe decay, impacted wisdom teeth, or crowding. After an extraction, your dentist will advise you not to eat or drink anything for at least 1 hour, and to avoid using mouthwash for up to 24 hours.

Once this period is over, you should rinse the mouth 3-4 times a day for the next few days using warm salt water. This will help clean the treatment area during healing, removing food debris and bacteria from the site.

Tooth Extraction Process and Precautions

A tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket. Reasons for a tooth extraction include:

• Pain
• Abscess
• Severe tooth decay
• Crowding
• Cosmetic appearance

Usually, tooth removal is a simple surgical procedure that takes only a few minutes. Dentists use local anaesthesia to prevent pain.

Before a Tooth Extraction

There are a few stages to account for before having a tooth removed.

1. Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the need for extraction and any concerns you may have. The appointment will include a discussion of your medical history and current medication you are taking so that the dentist can choose an appropriate anaesthetic. This is your opportunity to ask any questions to make sure you fully understand the procedure.

2. Preoperative Instructions: Follow any preoperative instructions provided by your dentist, such as fasting or discontinuing specific medications. Some dentists advise avoiding eating anything for 12 hours before your extraction, to avoid nausea during the procedure.

After Tooth Extraction

It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions after the extraction to avoid infection or complications. You can expect some slight bleeding for a day or so, which can be controlled with pressure over the area. Swelling and bruising are also normal and should disappear within a week or two.

• Rest: Take time to recover and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. You may need to take time off work or school to recover.
• Pain Management: Use pain medications as prescribed by your dentist to manage discomfort.
• Stitches: any stitches will dissolve or fall out within 2-4 weeks, depending on the type used.
• Avoid very hot or very cold food or drink for 24 hours: the area will be highly sensitive to temperature.
• Avoid mouthwash for 24 hours:  After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water 3-4 times daily, after meals. Be careful not to dislodge the blood clot as this keeps bacteria out of the socket. Continue this for up to 1 week to keep the area clean. Ask your dentist about using Dentyl’s mouthwash.
• Soft Diet: a well-balanced diet of soft foods such as fruit, yoghurt, soup and smoothies until you can carefully chew with the remaining teeth.

Why Choose Dentyl Mouthwash for Oral Health Routine?

When you have recovered from your tooth extraction, you will want to avoid having this procedure again if possible. Prevent tooth decay by using Dentyl Mouthwash twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel.

Dentyl mouthwash offers the following advantages:

When you have recovered from your tooth extraction, you will want to avoid having this procedure again if possible. Prevent tooth decay by using Dentyl Mouthwash twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel.

• Gentle on Gums: Its alcohol-free formula is gentle on sensitive gums, making it suitable for use after tooth extraction.
• Removes up to 99.9% of bacteria: Dentyl mouthwash contains powerful antimicrobial agent known as Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), which binds with the membrane of the bacteria, enhance their bonding with oil droplets of Dentyl mouthwash when shaken. This allows the Dentyl to remove the bacteria, both quickly and effectively.
• Effective Plaque Removal: Dentyl mouthwash contains unique two phase formula. It consists of an oil phase and a water phase. When shaken, the two liquids combine to form special mixture which  physically lifts and removes plaque and bacteria from the mouth, that you can see instantly when you rinse.

Maintaining oral health is essential, especially when facing a tooth extraction procedure. Dentyl mouthwash can be a valuable addition to your post-extraction oral care routine, helping to ensure a smooth recovery and ongoing oral well-being.

References

(1) NHS England: Your Guide to having teeth removed
(2) Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals (NHS): Advice after dental extractions