Non-alcoholic mouthwash is seen as a less intense alternative to its alcohol-based cousin. The lack of alcohol means it is less likely to burn in your mouth. It seems natural that transitioning to a less intense mouthwash will help you heal.
In answering this question, it's vital to consult dental professionals. So, by using the data, this article will help you find what others have gone through when using mouthwash after a dental extraction.
Is It Safe To Use Mouthwash After A Tooth Extraction?
Many dentists believe it is unsafe to use an alcoholic mouthwash immediately after a tooth extraction. This is because alcoholic mouthwash has a high acidic content, contributing to multiple problems.
The first problem is the loosening of your blood clot.
When your mouth tries to heal, its first step is to stop the bleeding. It does this by creating a blood clot where your tooth once was. This is a temporary shield from dangerous elements that can enter your mouth.
When you lose the blood clot, the first thing that can happen is continued bleeding. Eventually, the body can't heal the gap, leaving behind a dry socket, otherwise known as alveolar osteitis.
A dry socket causes exposure of the underlying bones and nerves. This can cause extreme pain, eventually leading to an expensive return to the dentist.
Alternative problems of alcoholic mouthwash, confirmed in a randomized clinical trial, include significant discomfort and pain. Non-alcoholic mouthwash was shown to cause less discomfort than its alcoholic alternative.
When Can I Use Mouthwash After A Tooth Extraction?
While dentists might provide different time frames, it's better to talk to your dentist first. Based on those recommendations, waiting about five days before using your regular mouthwash is a good start. You can consult your dentist to get more details specific to your needs.
There's no doubt that alcoholic mouthwash is integral to oral health. Another randomized study found that alcoholic and non-alcoholic mouthwash were equally effective at reducing plaque after a tooth extraction, a vital part of your dental routine.
The regular mouthwash burn you experience is a sign that bacteria is being killed in your mouth. But after dental surgery, that burn can irritate your gums and the new gap, leading to further complications.
What Kind Of Mouthwash Can You Use After A Tooth Extraction?
The best kind of mouthwash you can use after a tooth extraction is one recommended by a dentist. In some cases, prescribed mouthwash recommendations are given to the patient to help with oral health.
Alternative forms of mouthwash might be recommended in this case.
Non-alcoholic mouthwash, as we've stated, generally has less of a burn than alcoholic mouthwash. So, to reduce irritation, your dentist may prescribe this alternative.
Another alternative is whitening mouthwash, which uses hydrogen peroxide instead of alcohol. Peroxide-based mouthwashes typically burn less than alternatives.
There are also cosmetic mouthwashes that focus more on a fresh scent. Avoid these, as they have no dental benefit.
You might also get a recommendation for an antibacterial mouthwash, which is known to contain less alcohol. However, in a battle of antiseptic vs. antibacterial mouthwash, you'll find that the antibacterial variant is typically limited for those fighting specific bacteria.
For example, if you go through a tooth extraction while suffering from gingivitis, the doctor may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash to fight the active infection. The use of antiseptic mouthwash covers more needs.
Reasons For Using Mouthwash After An Extraction
Whether your doctor recommends the continued use of mouthwash sooner or you want to maintain good oral health, there are plenty of reasons for using mouthwash after an extraction. Here's a short list of those reasons:
- Kills bacteria. Removing bacteria prevents infections and further complications from developing.
- Strengthens enamel. Fluoride mouthwash is beneficial for rebuilding enamel, helping your remaining teeth.
- Prevents stuck food. Mouthwash is an effective means of removing food stuck between gaps in your teeth.
- Removing bad tastes and breath. After having gauze stuck in your mouth for an hour and not using mouthwash for a few days, you can freshen your breath and remove any bad taste.
What Is The Role Of Mouthwash In Oral Hygiene?
While it isn't an alternative to brushing and flossing, mouthwash is a regular part of most oral hygiene routines. It accompanies fluoride toothpaste by killing bacteria, preventing gingivitis, and strengthening enamel.
Mouthwash is meant to be used twice a day: once during the morning and once at night. You can do it after brushing your teeth, as it helps effectively remove food debris from gaps in your teeth kicked up by the toothbrush.
The best kinds of mouthwash have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This means that a board of certified dentists has approved the dental wash based on scientific proof of its effectiveness.
Mouthwash is not recommended for use by children under the age of six. Consult your dentist for alternatives if you have a child going through a tooth extraction.
After mouthwash expires, you should avoid using it. If your mouthwash is too old, it might mean the alcohol is no longer effective. This can cause bacteria to grow, making it unsafe.
How Do You Heal Naturally After A Tooth Extraction?
If you want to help your body heal naturally after a tooth extraction, there are a few things you can do. Below are some recommendations.
You should avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. This gives time for a blood clot to form in your mouth, providing a layer of protection. Even after 24 hours, you should be gentle with your mouth for three to five days.
For the first week, transition to a soft diet with lots of water. This ensures you won't overwork your mouth, causing the blood clot to reopen or your mouth to become irritated. Avoid chewy foods whenever you can, and only chew with the uninjured side of your mouth.
You should also avoid straws, as the extra suction in your mouth can cause your blood clot to rupture. Having a few meals consisting of creamed corn and mashed potatoes isn't out of the question. Also, avoid foods high in sugar or acids. Anything irritating your mouth will become a more significant issue, especially after a tooth extraction.
For an alternative to mouthwash, consider rinsing your mouth out with saltwater. This involves putting a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water. This lets you maintain a clean mouth without relying on harsher chemicals.
With any of these recommendations, check with your dentist. A dentist with experience in tooth extractions will have some good ideas on what foods, drinks, and habits to recommend to help your mouth heal.
When Can I Use Mouthwash After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
You can generally use mouthwash five days after a wisdom tooth extraction. At first, you should choose mouthwash known to cause less irritation. Alcohol-free mouthwash, for example, might be a better solution when restarting your oral care routine. Always consult your dentist on the best time to reintroduce mouthwash after an extraction.
Can I Use Mouthwash Four Days After A Tooth Extraction?
After four days, a tooth extraction should be on the way to healing, although you might wait an extra day to be safe. This means you can consider returning to your teeth cleaning routine and re-introducing your regular mouthwash. In some cases, a tooth extraction can take longer to heal. Consult your dentist for a timeline specific to your needs.
Can I Use Chlorhexidine Mouthwash After A Tooth Extraction?
According to a 2018 study, chlorhexidine mouthwash effectively prevented alveolar osteitis(a dry socket). So, the data supports that you can use chlorhexidine mouthwash after a tooth extraction. But each situation is different, so you'll need to consult your dentist before using any dental wash.
Can I Use A Prescribed Mouthwash After A Wisdom Teeth Removal?
A prescribed mouthwash is recommended by your dentist, meaning it's likely safe for use after a wisdom tooth removal. When you get a prescribed mouthwash, please consult your dentist about its proper use. You might want to start slow, only using it once every few days. Regardless, you'll want to wait at least one day before using mouthwash.
Wrap Up
If you are just coming out of a tooth extraction, non-alcoholic mouthwashes might be a good alternative. It is often best to wait at least five days before using any mouthwash, regardless of the alcoholic content.
Follow your dentist's instructions if they provide you with a prescribed mouthwash. Mouthwashes are prescribed based on your situation, which your dentist knows firsthand.
But mouthwash isn't the best solution if you want to heal naturally. You should avoid rinsing your mouth out with anything for a day. After this, your first step into using mouthwash might be a teaspoon of salt and water.
If you let your mouth heal naturally, you'll be back to using mouthwash in no time.
