Why Rinse with Salt Water After Tooth Extraction

After your tooth extraction procedure at Tara Dental Group, you will receive a set of aftercare instructions. Your surgical team will give you a briefing on what to do and avoid to ensure a smooth recovery process. The dentist will likely advise you to regularly rinse your mouth with warm salty water after the procedure.

Benefits of Saltwater Rinse After Tooth Extraction

Warm salty water is a safer alternative to kill bacteria after a dental extraction near you. This is mainly since one cannot use mouthwashes due to the high alcohol content in them, which can irritate the site. Salt water rinses will also reduce the amount of plaque accumulation in your mouth and enhance a safe recovery process.

Stops Bacteria Growth

Warm salty water stops bacteria growth in our mouth by cutting down on the acidic environment that bacteria thrive in. The solution works by increasing the PH- balance levels inside your mouth and creating an alkaline environment where bacteria cannot develop. Once neutralized, your mouth becomes less inflamed and healthier.

It helps With the Healing Process

Saltwater can promote healing after tooth extractions in Bellaire, TX since it promotes gingival fibroblast migration. It also enhances the increased number of extracellular matrix components, which helps regulate wound repair activity. In addition, salt water doesn’t irritate or burn the soft tissues of the extraction site. It will also prevent the risk of having dry sockets, which often occur after an extraction.

Oral Hygiene

After a dental extraction, you are more vulnerable to infections as the site starts healing. Rinsing your mouth with salt water will not only prevent diseases but also keep food particles away from the open wound. Additionally, the water will relieve the discomfort by reducing swelling and freshening your breath.

How to Rinse Your Mouth After Extraction

To make your salt rinse:

• Fill a glass with warm water and add half a teaspoon of salt.
• Swirl or stir the mixture with a spoon until the salt dissolves.
• Take a sip of the solution and gently swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Be careful not to rinse it too vigorously, as you may initiate bleeding.
• Take in the amount of the solution that’s comfortable in your mouth.
• If possible, gaggle the salt water at the back of your mouth.
• Gently spit out the solution after you have done rinsing.
• Remember to discard the leftover saltwater to prevent contamination.

If your dentist provides you with an irrigating syringe, use it on the third day after the extraction procedure. Use it by first filling the syringe with warm salty water. Place the tip of it on the extraction site and flush the area with the solution. Repeat these three to four times daily for about two weeks and lessen the habit as the surgical site heals.

Bleeding After Rinse

It’s normal to bleed after tooth extraction. The site may bleed for up to 24 hours, and you shouldn’t be concerned about the amount of bleeding. This is because if tiny amounts of blood are mixed with saliva, it may seem more dramatic. Avoid rinsing out your mouth while you are still bleeding. First, apply pressure on the bleeding site using a clean cloth or gauze for at least 15 minutes. The bleeding should stop after an hour or two. Do not rinse your mouth all day after the extraction. This may prolong the bleeding if you are experiencing discomfort beyond expected. Contact our dentist in Bellaire, TX.

Additional Aftercare Tips After Extraction

• Avoid smoking. This may increase your blood pressure and increase bleeding.
• Take your medication regularly as your dentist prescribes to relieve pain and swelling.
• Take your liquids by sipping or using a spoon. Avoid using a straw as it creates a suction which may disrupt the wound.
• Start taking soft foods during the first days after the extraction, such as blended soups, broths, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. As you heal, gradually reintroduce other types of foods.
• Rest and take a few days off from work. Avoid doing strenuous activities as they may increase bleeding on the surgical site.
• Attend follow-up dental appointments with your dentist, if any. They could be for removing stitches or checking up on how well you are healing.