I had a wisdom tooth pulled yesterday and they told me to gargle salt water on the wound to promote healing. Do you think I really need to do it, since they always tell you to do that after a pulled tooth? Will it burn like a mofo?
2007-02-13 11:22:46 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
The reason the dentist told you to use salt water because it can help you fight infection and promotes healing.
2007-02-13 11:30:07 · answer #1 · answered by msjerge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lukewarm salt water about 1-2 teaspoons per cup of H20 is almost always a secret remedy that most dentists will give after a major or minor extraction. I'm not sure why it works and what it does but the ions that dissociate from the Na+ and Cl- that compose the salt molecule definately do help after an extraction. You swish for about 10-15 seconds and then spit gentttttllllllly. Most docs don't even recommend drinking from a straw for 3-5 days afterward to prevent a dry socket, where the blood clot is removed because healing is 10 x's WORSE if that plug comes out. I use full strength listerine or diluted listerine also and this has a good effect of killing that bad bacteria that could get in the wound and set up an infection.
2016-03-29 05:27:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want it to heal faster, yes. Having a wisdom tooth removed leaves a wound similar to having a tooth pulled. It worked for me.
2007-02-13 11:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by ~Christine~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I gargled with salt water after having my wisdom teeth extracted. It did not sting and seemed to help promote healing.
2007-02-13 11:58:06 · answer #4 · answered by Treadstone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't need to then you don't have too. Most people find it soothing. Try it warm as well.
It should not burn, and should feel good. It's basically saline, which is what your body has in it. Also, salt is a VERY mild antiseptic, so it can keep bad bacteria from taking hold.
If your jaw is sore, try a heating pad, but not too hot.
2007-02-13 11:29:34 · answer #5 · answered by Lorrie C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had four pulled at once, and the salt water really helps with pain and helps it heal faster!
2007-02-13 11:26:12 · answer #6 · answered by angel_rat_83 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Helps, salt makes it draw together and heal quicker, also has some cleansing properties. Not painful either.
2007-02-13 11:27:01 · answer #7 · answered by jkp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i got them pulled too. No it wont hurt like "mofo" (lol nice word choice) I thought it would too but it doesn't. They tell you to do that becuase it rinses it out and it prevents it from getting infected. =]
2007-02-13 11:28:07 · answer #8 · answered by xyourmomx565 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i heard about salt water for my wisdom tooth.I didnt beleve it would work but it realy dus help...
2007-02-13 11:35:41 · answer #9 · answered by xo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what you want to prevent is called a dry socket. that hurts so rinsing your mouth with warm salt water will help.
2007-02-13 11:26:50 · answer #10 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋