The general rule of thumb is to wait 48 hours before using mouthwash after a tooth extraction. Mouthwash contains strong anti-bacterial properties, and if used too soon after an extraction, it can irritate or dry the mucosa, increasing the likelihood of developing a condition called “dry socket” (also known as alveolar osteitis). If dry socket occurs, healing of the extraction site will be delayed, and discomfort is prolonged.
Mouth wash is a dental product designed for use in the mouth. It is swished around to clean and freshen the mouth and then discarded. Mouth wash typically contains antimicrobial and other ingredients designed to inhibit odor-causing sulfur compounds and reduce the bacteria that contribute to gum disease and gingivitis. While it can’t replace daily brushing and flossing for getting rid of the bulk of oral bacteria, it may provide some additional long-term benefits.
According to the ADA, the ADA categorizes mouth wash or mouth rinses as either a cosmetic mouth rinse or therapeutic mouth rinse. Cosmetic mouth rinses as those that do not contain medicinal ingredients and are meant to freshen breath only. Therapeutic mouth rinses, on the other hand, include substances such as fluoride and can help protect teeth from cavities, keep your mouth clean, control plaque, reduce gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay.
After your tooth extraction, it is advisable to avoid any sort of oral hygiene for the first 24 hours. This includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Following your tooth extraction, your healing tooth socket needs to be left alone for the first 24 hours so that a blood clot can begin forming and the healing process can begin. After the first 24 hours, you may brush your teeth carefully, but be sure not to brush too hard or come into contact with the extraction site.
Following a wisdom tooth removal, it is recommended not to use mouthwash after wisdom tooth removal for up to 48 hours. The same do’s, and don’ts apply as with a wisdom tooth extraction.
After undergoing a tooth extraction, you can expect to experience the following stages of healing. Although everyone heals differently, the following stages are common: