Is it safe to use mouthwash after tooth extraction

I had a tooth extraction 1 week ago. I want to use mouthwash. Can I use mouthwash 1 week after extraction?

12 Answers

I usually tell my patients to not use mouthwash for three weeks or until the extraction site is fully healed since mouthwash tends to be harsh when you have an open wound and could delay healing. You can rinse with warm salt water instead.

Recommendation post extraction is to not use mouthwashes containing alcohol for the first 3-4 days. 7 days later if you feel good, and the extraction area is not tender feel free to use any mouthwash you like

Hi!

Yes you can. Continue to be gentle with swishing though. Do not vigorously swish. Hope this helps.

If all is going well, then yes. Use a non-alcohol mouthwash.

You can use mouthwash 1 week after an extraction. I would advise avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol in them for a little while longer as it might cause and uncomfortable burning sensation at the extraction sites still. Be careful while swishing around and spitting the mouthwash out. Don’t do it too forcefully.

Yes, you can. Also, I highly recommend warm water and salt mouth rinse it helps a lot.

You can use mouthwash after your extraction but you only want to let it gently move around your mouth, vigorous swishing can dislodge your blood clot that is protecting the extraction site. Also warm salt water is better than mouthwash if you are getting a bad flavor- alcohol in mouthwash can dehydrate the healing soft tissue.

I would still contact the dentist who did the extraction as it all depends on the individual case depending on the healing thanks

Yes! I would stick to a zero alcohol mouthwash to prevent any burning sensation around the extraction site. Until the extraction site is fully healed, just gently swish the mouthwash and then let the liquid "fall" out of your mouth. No forceful swishing or spitting.

About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS

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Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started!

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Association Memberships:

• American Dental Association

• New York State Dental Association

• Queens Count Dental Society

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Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible.

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The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional.

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Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life!