How long after having a wisdom tooth pulled can you rinse your mouth out?

Question

I had a wisdom tooth pulled the day before yesterday and the dentist didn't tell me how long I was suppose to go without drinking through a straw, rinsing my mouth out, etc. Has anyone had this done and can tell me what I can/cannot do? (already drank through a straw yesterday *forgot*...and brushed my teeth this morning (except for where the tooth was pulled.) Any advise can help. thanks.

Answer 1

You are not really supposed to rinse your mouth out too much for like the first two or three hours after the wisdom tooth gets pulled, but the bloody taste is so gross that most dentists will agree that you can rinse it gently, just don't swish or spit too vigorously. As for the straw, you really shouldn't have done that, but if you did it the day before yesterday and everything's still feeling fine, you dodged the bullet. You can start with straws again after about a week. If you were to get a dry socket, you'd know by now, that's just about the worst pain out there. Just continue to rinse with that nasty-@$$ mouthwash they prescribe when you get your tooth pulled, avoid any more straws, and don't eat any popcorn, chips, or anything that causes tiny crumbs to fall into the hole, and you'll be fine.

Answer 2

I had 4 wisdom teeth pulled at the same time 10+ years ago (I remember the pain!). I think rinsing your mouth is ok now and brushing gently around the area as you've done is ok too.

I remember, the surgeon gave me a small plastic pump gadget that I filled with salted water to shoot water into the "hole" where your tooth used to be to push out any food that would kept trapped in there. It's not the most attractive thing to do, but it will help alleviate any discomfort trapped food might cause. Good luck!

Answer 3

better safe then sorry, i did the rinse for a week after i had my wisdom teeth out. it wont hurt to keep it up for another few days.

Answer 4

Six hours i am pretty sure