When Can I Brush My Teeth After a Tooth Extraction?

Building A Strong Foundation for Healthy Smiles

Tooth extraction can be an uncomfortable experience, and hence, it’s completely normal to have questions about how to care for yourself afterward.

One common concern is when to brush your teeth after tooth extraction. While the answer is quite simple, following the right steps is necessary to avoid complications and support proper healing.

What to Expect Right After Tooth Extraction?

Your mouth needs time to start healing after your tooth is extracted. A blood clot will form in the area where the tooth was removed, helping to protect the wound as it heals.

If you brush your teeth too soon or too aggressively, you could disturb this clot, which can then lead to pain or even a condition called “dry socket.” A dry socket happens when the clot is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves underneath, which is not something you want to deal with.

So, avoid brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction. Focus on keeping your mouth clean by gently rinsing it with warm salt water a few times a day, especially after eating.

The First Few Days

After the first 24 hours, you can start brushing your teeth again, but be very careful. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing near the extraction site.

Brush the rest of your teeth as you normally would, but skip the area where the tooth was pulled. This will help keep your mouth clean without irritating the healing spot.

When you rinse your mouth, continue using warm salt water. Don’t use mouthwash that contains alcohol, as it can be too harsh and may slow down the healing process. Also, try not to spit too hard when rinsing, as this can also disturb the blood clot.

After a Week

Most people can start brushing their teeth normally about a week after the extraction, but this depends on how well their mouth is healing. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to check with your dentist. They can tell you if it’s safe to start brushing the extraction site gently.

Even after a week, be very careful when brushing near the healing area. Use gentle strokes and avoid pressing too hard. If you notice any pain, bleeding, or swelling, stop brushing that area and let your dentist know.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery After a Tooth Extraction

Below, we’ve mentioned a few extra tips to help your mouth heal after tooth extraction:

Avoid drinking through a straw as it can create suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot. Stick to sipping directly from a cup for at least a week.
For the first few days, eat only soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods that could irritate the extraction site.
Do not smoke for at least a few days after the extraction, as it can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications like dry sockets.
Your dentist will give you specific instructions based on your situation. Follow your dentist’s advice to make sure your mouth heals properly.

In Short

After tooth extraction, wait at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth, and avoid the extraction site for the first few days. After about a week, you can resume normal brushing, but do so gently and consult your dentist if you’re unsure.