After your wisdom teeth removal, the last thing you probably want to think about is putting a toothbrush in your mouth. Your mouth might feel a little tender, but our team at Markham Dental wants you to understand how important it is to keep the area clean.
You can start to gently brush your teeth 24 hours after your wisdom teeth removal, taking special care to avoid the surgical site completely.
The First 24 Hours: What You Need to Know
For the first day, your main job is to rest and let your body begin the healing process. This means you should wait to brush your teeth, because introducing a toothbrush too soon can disturb the area and interfere with the initial stages of healing.
Understanding Blood Clotting
During this time, a blood clot forms in the empty hole where the wisdom teeth were, called the socket. This clot is like a natural bandage that protects the underlying bone and nerves, and dislodging it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Giving Your Mouth a Break
Focus on rest, stay hydrated with clear fluids, and follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your dental team. Your mouth has a lot of healing to do, and giving it a 24-hour break from brushing helps it get off to a strong start.
Your Brush Technique & Timeline
When to Brush Again
After the first 24 hours have passed, you can reintroduce your toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with very soft bristles to be as gentle as possible. Apply a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste and use slow, careful motions when you brush.
The most important thing to remember is that you’re only trying to clean your other teeth, not putting pressure on the parts of your mouth that are healing. Rushing through your routine can lead to accidental bumps or irritation, so take your time and be mindful of your movements.
How to Brush Around the Surgical Site
Avoid direct contact with the extraction area for at least a week, or as directed by your dentist. Gently brush the tops, fronts, and backs of your other teeth. You can brush the teeth next to the extraction site, but move the brush away from the socket, not toward it.
Use a Saltwater Rinse
To clean the surgical area itself, a gentle saltwater rinse is a good option. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a warm cup of water. Instead of swishing vigorously, simply tilt your head from side to side to let the water flow over the area. When you’re done, let the water fall out of your mouth into the sink: Don’t spit forcefully.
Tools & Tips for a Smooth Recovery
For the first week, use a mild toothpaste that doesn’t contain harsh whitening agents or strong flavours like mint, which can irritate sensitive tissues.
Avoid Mouthwash Containing Alcohol
You should also avoid any mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol can cause a stinging sensation and may dry out your mouth, which may slow down the healing process. A saltwater rinse is a much gentler alternative for the first week.
Can I Use My Electric Toothbrush?
While an electric toothbrush or water flosser can be effective for daily use, it’s a good idea to put them both away for a little while. The vibrations and high-pressure water streams can be too intense for a healing surgical site. Stick to a manual brush until your dental office gives you the green light to resume your normal oral care routine.
What to Watch for After You Brush
A little tenderness is normal, but it’s important to know the signs of a complication, just in case. You should seek professional guidance if you experience any of the following:
- Pain that seems to get worse after a few days instead of better
- Any pus or yellowish discharge from the extraction site
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop or slow down after applying gentle pressure with gauze
Follow-Up Care
Your follow-up appointment is an important step in your recovery. It gives your dental team a chance to check on your progress and check to see that everything is healing as it should. This visit is important, even if you feel like you’re recovering well.
Book Your Next Appointment
At Markham Dental, our team understands you have a busy life. With online booking, evening and Saturday hours available, you can get the follow-up care you need without rearranging your entire schedule. If you have any concerns between appointments, don’t hesitate to reach out: Our friendly team is here to make your experience a positive one. Book your appointment today.
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Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
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Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
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Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
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You can find us on Woodbine Avenue, with plenty of parking available outside the clinic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Address
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
Hours of Operation
Markham Dental
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com