How to Brush After Tooth Extraction

brush your teeth after tooth extraction, tooth extraction care, dental hygiene after extraction, Queensboro Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Michael Nguyen, Dr. Jodie Smith, Dr. Patrice Surdi, Long Island City, NY, oral health, recovery tips

Undergoing a tooth extraction can be a significant event, and ensuring proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery. A common question we get at Queensboro Plaza Dentistry in Long Island City, NY, is how to brush your teeth after tooth extraction. So, we are here to guide you through the process to keep your mouth clean and promote healing.

Immediate Aftercare

First things first, right after your extraction, avoid brushing the area directly. Focus on general oral hygiene but steer clear of the extraction site to allow a blood clot to form and start the healing process. Here are some tips to follow during the first 24 hours:

    Rest and Recover: Take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling.

    Use Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face for 15-minute intervals to help minimize swelling.

    Avoid Rinsing: Don’t rinse your mouth vigorously, spit forcefully, or use a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot.

Brushing Your Teeth 24 Hours After Extraction

After the first day, you can begin to carefully resume brushing, but it’s essential to be gentle and cautious. Here’s how to do it:

    Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the extraction site. Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Smith, or Dr. Surdi can recommend a suitable toothbrush if you’re unsure which to choose.

    Avoid the Extraction Site: Focus on brushing the other areas of your mouth, steering clear of the extraction site for at least a few more days. Be gentle to prevent disturbing the healing area.

    Use Gentle Strokes: Apply gentle, circular strokes when brushing to avoid any unnecessary pressure that might affect the extraction area.

    Rinse Gently: After brushing, rinse your mouth gently with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to help keep the area clean. Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can irritate the extraction site.

Continued Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some additional tips for continued care:

    Floss Carefully: You can continue to floss, but be cautious around the extraction site to avoid disrupting the clot.

    Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Try to avoid these for at least 72 hours after your extraction.

    Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Always follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Smith, or Dr. Surdi. They might recommend additional or alternative steps based on your individual case.

Signs to Watch For During Recovery

While proper care significantly reduces the risk of complications, it’s essential to be aware of signs that might indicate a problem:

    Excessive Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but if it continues for more than 24 hours, contact us.

    Severe Pain: Pain is expected, but if it’s severe or doesn’t improve, it might be a sign of an issue.

    Swelling or Fever: Persistent swelling or fever can indicate an infection. Reach out to our office if you experience these symptoms.

Recovery and Care at Queensboro Plaza Dentistry in Long Island City, NY

Proper care after a tooth extraction is vital for a smooth and speedy recovery. Knowing how to brush your teeth after a tooth extraction and following these tips can help ensure that your mouth heals properly and stays healthy.

If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery after a tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to contact Queensboro Plaza Dentistry in Long Island City, NY. Dr. Michael Nguyen, Dr. Jodie Smith, and Dr. Patrice Surdi are here to provide the support and care you need for a healthy, happy smile. Schedule your follow-up appointment today!

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Patient Reviews

Karoline PammerKaroline Pammer
20:52 30 Mar 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are extremely competent, friendly and professional. He is very thorough and explains everything very clearly. Finally I feel like I am in good hands when it comes to dental care.
Matt SmithMatt Smith
21:18 05 Feb 22
Great overall experience getting a dental cleaning. Very friendly staff, beautifully designed office, and a comfortable experience watching calming Netflix nature programming while in the chair. Complimentary beverages are in the waiting room and so is a little play area for kids.It felt to me that this was a patient-focused family practice as opposed to a cold, corporate dental mill trying to churn through as many patients as possible.I’ll definitely be coming back here for all my dental needs and I highly recommend.
Sundup SherpaSundup Sherpa
22:07 02 Feb 22
Dr. Nguyen and his staff are very welcoming and they provide an excellent experience every time I visit. I’ve only been here twice for annual checkups but would definitely consider and recommend this place to anyone who appreciates good customer experience and a very thoughtful approach to making sure that you feel at home. I have some procedures set up for later in the month and I must actually be the only person in the world actually looking forward to a dentist appointment.
Jayrockem GottemJayrockem Gottem
21:27 09 Nov 21
Great place wonderful staff they will be my go too dentist 100%
shawaf alishawaf ali
22:08 26 Aug 21
Very confident after leaving the office that my teeth are in greatttt hands. Above and beyond patient care. Very informative visits. A sense that they genuinely care about patient concerns. Added helpful guidelines I took home with me to reach dental hygiene goals before my next visits. Highly recommended you leave your old scary dentist ! 😁😁
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Queensboro Plaza Dental Care

Queensboro Plaza Dental Care