Following whatever reason for tooth extraction, you may be motivated to take up caring for your teeth seriously. Yes, this is a good decision, but not one you should take right after having a tooth extracted. Sad enough, a lost tooth will not come back, but you must take care of the existing ones.
A dental extraction leaves the tooth socket exposed. The chances of it getting infected are high. So, there’s a need for you to give it a proper rinse and eat it healthily.
Why do I have an Exposed Tooth Socket Post-Extraction?
Taking out a tooth involves some pressure. This is what causes blood to gather at the spot. Patients do bleed after an oral extraction – it’s normal. To reduce blood loss, gauze may be placed in your mouth by the dentist. There are times when bleeding simply stops innately. And sometimes it doesn’t. When that’s the case, stitching on the area is done to prevent blood flow.
Occasionally, dissolvable stitches may be used. Find out what type of stitch your dentist is using. Following this, you must chew carefully to prevent the stitched area from reopening and letting out blood. This is because you need the blood clot to close up the hollow created by the tooth removal. To this end, take care of the spot and stop any possible blood flow.
Dry Socket
You have a dry socket when the stitched area reopens (breaking the blood clot) post-dental extraction. This condition can cause pain. The injury may expose the bones lying below the teeth. In the case of a dry socket, treatment is usually a sedative dressing that will stay in place until the area naturally develops a new blood clot.
Kindly note that pain is associated with a dry socket and healing time is lengthy. This is why you must treat the hollow with care when you’ve had a tooth removed.
What is the Reason Behind being Susceptible After an Extraction?
Patients who have had their teeth removed usually have a wound that is open. This subjects the person to the risk of mouth infections. Know that for every bodily wound, the microbes in the environment see an opening to attack the body and have it infected. The case of a dry socket is worse off as there are multiple bacteria inside the mouth.
Not all bacteria are toxic; some aid food digestion, but others are dangerous. Once again, you must be very careful how you handle your mouth after removing a tooth.
Caring for your Mouth Post-Dental Extraction
It is obvious the kind of danger the mouth is exposed to following an extraction. But there is no reason to be worried because, after the procedure, your dentist will advise you on how to give your mouth the care it needs.
Brushing Goal Post-Dental Extraction
Brush your teeth when you wake up and at night before sleep to reduce the number of toxic mouth bacteria. And, of course, keep your tongue clean. This fights bad breath and the bad taste triggered by an extraction. Leftover food particles are removed with brushing your teeth – the activities of bacteria are also stalled.
A proper teeth-brushing technique is vital. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it gently in circles over your teeth as you brush. Avoid brushing the area the extraction took place 24 hours after the procedure. Allow the socket to get better. All other parts of the mouth should be cleaned. Where the wound is stitched, don’t brush it altogether. Rather rinse your mouth. Keep mouthwashes containing chemicals off your mouth for 24 days.
How Should you Clean your Mouth Post-Extraction?
Make a mouth rinse of warm salt water by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with a small amount of warm water. Use this to rinse your mouth.
Get your mouth washed up each time you finish eating and, if possible, do it in between meals. Please, be gentle with this procedure. This is because swishing water inside your mouth with much pressure can remove the clots in the wounded area.
The Use of Chlorhexidine for Mouth Rinsing
Sometimes, you may have to use a solution of chlorhexidine to rinse your mouth. The dentist typically prescribes this based on the health of the tooth socket. For 60 seconds, you should rinse your mouth every morning and evening. Keep this up till the stitch melts away. Doing this stops you from brushing. But you shouldn’t neglect your dental hygiene.
It’s not every time a tooth is extracted that your dentist recommends chlorhexidine. To help your oral wound heal more quickly, full compliance with instructions is recommended. You’ll be instructed to eat soft foods and not drink using a straw, plus many others. Should you be obedient to follow the instructions, you can have a healthy tooth hollow sooner.
At what Point can I Use Toothpaste to Brush my Teeth Post-Extraction?
Do not brush on the same day the extraction took place. You can brush the next day, however, take care not to disturb the wound area. Continue gentle teeth brushing for the days that follow because the injury will take some time to close up and heal. Your brushing can kick off when the injury is healed.
Finally
Extracting a tooth can open the door to chronic dental infections, which is why you should be cautious after having it done. Stick to your dentist’s instructions – this will keep your mouth hygienically clean and infection-free.
The information here is general advice on how to care for your mouth after pulling out that tooth. People’s conditions differ. So, it is good that you consult with st Albans Dentist for a more personal and bespoke solution on the issue. They understand your oral condition the most and give informed advice.