Had a tooth pulled recently? Take a deep breath; you made it through! That's a big step toward better oral health, and we're happy you got through it. Tooth Extractions can sound intimidating, but they're often the first move toward long-term comfort and healing. As your mouth starts to recover, you might wonder: "When can I rinse or swish again?" It's a great question that we often hear at Downtown Dental in New Orleans.
Let's walk through what you need to know so you can heal safely and return to feeling like yourself again.
For the First 24 Hours: No Swishing, Spitting, or Straws
As tempting as it may be to rinse your mouth out after a procedure, hold off for the first 24 hours. Right after an extraction, your body starts forming a blood clot at the site to protect the bone and nerves underneath. That clot is like a natural bandage. If it gets dislodged, it can lead to a dry socket, which is as painful as it sounds.
Swishing, spitting, and drinking through a straw create suction in the mouth to pull that clot loose. So for now, sip gently, avoid swishing, and stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws!), and good ol' New Orleans red beans and rice if you're feeling up to it.
After 24 Hours: Gentle Rinsing Only
Once a whole day has passed, you can start gently rinsing with warm salt water if your dentist in New Orleans has recommended it. We recommend tilting your head to let the rinse move around naturally and let it fall from your mouth instead of spitting it out forcefully. This helps keep the area clean without disturbing the healing process. We usually suggest a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water to soothe and heal the mouth.
Everyone Heals a Bit Differently
Some patients return to normal in a couple of days, while others need more time. It depends on the location of the tooth, your overall health, and how well you follow your aftercare instructions.
Your Healing Is Our Priority
As your dentist in NOLA, we're always just a phone call or message away. If you're unsure if you're ready to rinse, if something doesn't feel quite right, or if you want reassurance that things are healing properly, please don't hesitate to call us at (504) 528-7800.