Welcome to my post-wisdom teeth removal showering guide! This is a step-by-step guide on how to make sure you get clean after your surgery.
Step one: take off your clothes. This includes your shirt, pants, underwear, and socks. Yes, even your socks. You don’t want any clothes getting wet.
Step two: turn on the water. Make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. You don’t want to shock
When to shower
The vast majority of people can shower normally 24 hours after surgery. You may have had a surgical dressing in your mouth that needed to stay dry, but now that it’s gone you can get the area wet.
If your surgeon used dissolvable stitches, they will usually fall out on their own within a week or two. If you had non-dissolvable stitches, your surgeon will remove them at your follow-up appointment.
Keep in mind that it’s important to take good care of your mouth while you’re healing. That means brushing and flossing carefully around your surgical site and being careful not to eat anything that’s too hard or crunchy. With a little time and care, you’ll be back to normal before you know it.
What to use
There are a few things you should avoid using in your shower following wisdom teeth removal, such as:
- soap, which can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums
- alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can also dry out your mouth
- toothpaste, which can irritate your gums
Instead, opt for gentle, alcohol-free mouthwashes and mild soap. You can also use salt water rinse to help keep your mouth clean.
How to brush your teeth
To brush your teeth correctly, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. Aim the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and use gentle circular motions. Be sure to brush on the inside surfaces of your teeth and to use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces of your molars. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
How to floss your teeth
The specifics of how to floss your teeth depend on the type of floss you’re using. If you’re using traditional string floss, you’ll want to wind it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches of slack. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to work it between each tooth. When you get to the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it up and down along the side of each tooth.
If you’re using an automatic flosser, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you’ll want to hold the flosser against each tooth and use a light back-and-forth motion to move the floss up and down.
How to avoid infection
It’s important to avoid infection after wisdom teeth removal, so it’s important to follow your dentist or surgeon’s instructions for caring for your mouth. You’ll likely need to avoid using a straw, smoking, and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours. You should also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a week or so.
To help keep your mouth clean, your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth with a salt water solution several times a day. You can make this solution by stirring 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water.
You should also take showers rather than baths while you heal. Be sure to avoid getting the surgical area wet for at least 24 hours after your surgery. When you do shower, use lukewarm water and gentle soap on the rest of your body. Avoid hot showers or baths, as they can slow down the healing process.
How to eat and drink
Wait at least four hours after your wisdom teeth have been removed before brushing your teeth. You want to give the area plenty of time to heal and avoid irritation.
You should also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods until your mouth has healed. This includes chips, crackers, and unpopped popcorn kernels. You can eat soft foods like applesauce, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and ice cream.
Drinking plenty of fluids is also important since you may have a dry mouth after your procedure. Try to drink sips of water throughout the day and avoid any hot liquids for the first 24 hours. You should also avoid using a straw for at least a week since it can irritate your extraction site
How to sleep
You may experience some pain and swelling after your surgery. To help reduce swelling and pain, sleep with your head elevated on pillows for the first few days. Sleep on your side or stomach instead of your back. Take pain relievers as needed. Rinse your mouth four times a day with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) to help reduce swelling and pain around the surgery site. You can also use a cold compress on your face for 20 minutes at a time to help with pain and swelling.
When to see the dentist again
When you have your wisdom teeth removed, you will need to take care of your mouth so that it can heal properly. This includes brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and avoiding hard or sticky foods. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Your dentist will give you a follow-up appointment to make sure that your mouth is healing properly. They may also give you a cleaning and check for any other problems.
