Can I Use a Water Flosser After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Can I use a water flosser after wisdom teeth removal? During the initial recovery period, it's best to avoid using a water flosser to protect the healing site.

This article will cover everything you need to know about caring for your mouth after wisdom teeth removal.

We'll discuss if and when you can use a water flosser, how to clean your teeth safely, tips to ease into flossing, and effective ways to prevent food from getting stuck in the extraction site.

Time to dig in!

What this article covers:

Can You Use a Water Flosser After Wisdom Teeth Removal
How to Clean Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Ease Your Way Into Flossing
Ways to Remove Food Stuck in Extraction Site
How to Prevent Food From Getting Stuck in a Wisdom Tooth Hole

Can You Use a Water Flosser After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Using a water flosser immediately after the procedure isn't recommended because the powerful water stream could dislodge the blood clot that's forming in the extraction site. This blood clot is crucial for proper healing and prevents conditions like dry socket, which can lead to pain and delayed recovery.

Once the initial healing period—usually the first seven to ten days—has passed, and swelling has reduced, it might be possible to resume using a water flosser.

A great tool for this phase is the SNOW Water Flosser, which features adjustable pressure settings, including a "Soft" mode ideal for sensitive post-surgery gums.

How To Clean Your Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Based on our observations, it's best to avoid brushing, rinsing, or using mouthwash in the first 24 hours following wisdom teeth removal. Instead, stick to gentle mouth care to prevent disrupting the clot.

After the initial day or two, you can resume brushing your teeth, but make sure to avoid the extraction areas to prevent injury or irritation.

Ease Your Way Into Flossing

During the initial days following surgery, the gum tissues will be sensitive, and the extraction site needs time to heal. Once the extraction site has begun to heal, you can gradually reintroduce flossing to your routine.

can I use a water flosser after wisdom teeth removal

Begin by gently flossing teeth away from the extraction site before gradually working towards the area, ensuring not to pull too hard on the gum tissue.

SNOW's Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss is an excellent option as it provides a deep clean while being gentle on sensitive areas. The bamboo fibers expand to remove plaque, while activated charcoal works to lift stains naturally.

Similarly, you may be thinking, how long should I wait to floss after a crown? You can typically floss after a few days, but it's important to avoid pulling up on the floss to prevent dislodging the crown.

Ways to Remove Food Stuck in Extraction Site

Our findings show that it's common for food particles to get lodged in the empty sockets where wisdom teeth have been extracted. Here are several ways to remove food without disturbing the healing process.

Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse is one of the simplest yet most effective ways. Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties that help prevent infection and reduce inflammation in the healing area.

To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gently swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the area near the extraction site.

Herbal Tea Rinse

Using an herbal tea rinse, like chamomile or sage, can also be an effective way to clean the extraction site and soothe irritated tissues. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and mild antiseptic properties that can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

To use, steep the tea in hot water and allow it to cool to a lukewarm temperature before rinsing the affected area.

Like with the salt water rinse, it's important not to swish aggressively; instead, allow the tea to passively cleanse the area.

Mouthwash

Using mouthwash after wisdom teeth removal can help maintain oral hygiene, but it's important to choose an alcohol-free variety to avoid irritation. Alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and dislodge food particles without the harshness that may disrupt the healing process.

SNOW's Arctic Frost teeth whitening mouthwash can be an excellent choice to clean the area while also soothing the gums and helping whiten teeth.

How to Prevent Food From Getting Stuck in a Wisdom Tooth Hole

Preventing food from getting stuck in a wisdom tooth hole is key to ensuring proper healing. We'll go into detail on simple steps to protect the extraction site.

Chew On The Other Side

After wisdom teeth removal, chewing on the side opposite to the extraction site is one of the simplest ways to prevent food from getting stuck in the socket.

Chewing on the other side helps maintain comfort during meals in the initial days after surgery when the extraction site is still tender.

As the extraction site heals, you can gradually reintroduce normal chewing, but it's best to be cautious during the early stages of recovery.

You may be asking, can I floss after wisdom teeth removal? It's best to wait about a week before flossing near the extraction site.

Eat A Soft Food

Soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and scrambled eggs are gentle on the healing area and do not require much chewing. This helps to avoid disturbing the clot that is essential for proper healing.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as they can easily get stuck in the extraction site and potentially cause irritation.

can you use a water flosser after wisdom teeth removal

Rinse Your Mouth After Eating

Rinsing your mouth after eating is another key step in preventing food from getting stuck in a wisdom tooth hole. As mentioned earlier, using a gentle saltwater solution is ideal.

This simple habit can reduce the chances of developing an infection or other complications.

Avoid Any Suction Activities

It is crucial to avoid any activities that create suction in your mouth, such as using a straw, spitting forcefully, or smoking.

Our research indicates that suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms over the extraction site. If this clot is disturbed or lost, it can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket, which exposes the bone and nerves underneath.

Dry socket delays the healing process and can cause severe pain that requires medical intervention.

To protect the extraction site, avoid using straws for drinking and steer clear of smoking for at least a week after surgery. Additionally, try not to spit when rinsing your mouth. Instead, let the liquid passively flow out.

You might wonder, can I floss after deep cleaning? Yes, but floss carefully as your gums may be sensitive.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal requires extra care, and using a water flosser immediately after surgery is not recommended.

We discussed various ways to clean your mouth safely during recovery, such as rinsing with saltwater and using gentle techniques. Chewing on the opposite side and avoiding any suction activities can also help maintain the blood clot that is crucial for healing.

For effective and comfortable oral care solutions, check out SNOW's advanced oral care product, designed to give you a professional-level clean at home while being gentle on gums.

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