When I had my wisdom teeth removed, they gave me a new toothbrush. I wasn't 100% awake when they gave it to me, so I don't remember what they said about it. Is there a reason why I'd need a new one after the oral surgery? Or were they just being nice or whatever? Just curious..
2007-02-12 15:33:31 · 10 answers · asked by Idaho 2 in Health ➔ Dental
It's because you have an open wound in your mouth, toothbrushes hold about as much bacteria as your toilet bowl, so it's good to use a clean one after oral surgery. They also hand them out like candy, people don't replace their toothbrushes nearly often enough, I hope this clarified things for you.
2007-02-12 16:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An old toothbrush, especially if it is within 30 feet of your toilet (flushing toilets can spray fine particles of bacteria into the air), can contain e.coli bacteria. Normally this is not too much of a concern, but after having your wisdom teeth out there is a chance that you could develop an infection. Using a new clean toothbrush will help prevent infection while your gums are healing.
2007-02-12 15:38:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should throw out your old toothbrush any time you have a cold, a mouth sore, and especially after they have cut your gums open to remove teeth.
Your old toothbrush is like a giant petri dish growing bacteria from last night and putting that into your brand new open wounds will guarantee an infection.
2007-02-12 15:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by Mimi Di 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can still brush, just be gentle near or avoid the extraction sites for a few days. Gently rinse (do NOT spit or rinse hard) your mouth with warm salt water (this will clean out the extraction sites) a few times a day. And sleep with a towel on your pillow the first night. :) Oh and FYI - take tylenol for pain... ibuprofen will make you bleed and you want the blood to clot properly. Good luck!!
2007-02-12 15:41:37 · answer #4 · answered by heathh84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some bleeding is to be expected and the swelling is common. Did they give you anything for the swelling. If not Advil can help. Just follow the directions and if the bleeding is bad or you are in pain in a few days let them know they will possibly pack the area with gauze and clove oil. This acts as both a numbing agent and helps fight bacteria. Don't do this yourself let the doctor decide.
2016-03-29 04:21:14 · answer #5 · answered by Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is replace your current toothbrush every 3 months. The bristles can and do get worn. That is probably why they gave you a new one. Take care.
2007-02-12 16:02:19 · answer #6 · answered by SAK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably just wanted to give you a new one, like they always do at dentists' offices. I wouldn't sweat it, unless it's some fancy toothbrush that looks different from a regular one.
2007-02-12 15:42:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you just had tooth extraction meaning you have an open wound.
the new tooth brush is used to prevent you from getting infected by the germs in your old toothbrush
infected open wound may lead to more serious dental problems and worse heart problems (rheumatic fever)
2007-02-12 16:05:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe to be nice, or maybe so no chance of bacteria on an old one. Either way, I"m sure they told you not to brush for a couple of days, right? I think they told me just to rinse for awhile.
2007-02-12 15:36:38 · answer #9 · answered by nickname 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
everytime i go to the dentist they throw a new tooth brush my way.
they do that instead of a lolipop.
2007-02-12 15:35:41 · answer #10 · answered by SARcasm,RN 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋