Dr. Brent MacDonald Dentistry
October 12, 2022

As the last teeth to grow in, the wisdom teeth erupt in our adolescence or early adulthood.

Wisdom teeth do not serve a necessary function. On the contrary, they can disrupt our oral health in several ways.

By the time wisdom teeth erupt, the rest of our teeth are already in place. Therefore, these molars can cause crowding, misalignment, and a higher risk for tooth decay.

For these reasons, dentists often recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom tooth removal is now common in modern dentistry.

As with most tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal can cause some significant swelling and pain as the mouth heals.

Given the potential discomfort, many patients want to know “when can I brush my teeth after wisdom tooth extraction?”

The truth is that good dental care helps your mouth heal following wisdom tooth extraction.

Keep reading to learn more about when and how to brush teeth after wisdom tooth removal.

When to Begin Brushing

It’s normal to experience significant soreness and tenderness after wisdom tooth extraction. If your wisdom teeth were impacted, then the healing process may be even more tender. This discomfort can make brushing seem scary. When should you brush your teeth after wisdom teeth removal?

The same day!

On the very same day of your procedure, you can brush your front teeth normally. That day, avoid the very back molars and stay away from the extraction site. The American Dental Association recommends you brush completely the next day. The day after wisdom tooth extraction, you can brush all of your teeth.

How to Brush Post Wisdom Tooth Surgery

While you can begin brushing your teeth fully the very next day after wisdom tooth surgery, it can be intimidating. You do want to exercise caution to not disrupt the extraction site.

Here are some tips for careful brushing post wisdom tooth extraction.

Use a gentle toothbrush, especially near the back teeth.
Brush carefully and intentionally. Focus and be careful!
After eating and drinking, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area.
Avoid using strong toothpaste or mouthwashes.

General Dentist for Wisdom Teeth in Calgary, AB

Properly brushing after a wisdom tooth extraction is critical for healing after the procedure. The tips above can help you brush carefully and encourage your mouth to heal.

Can you benefit from a wisdom tooth extraction in Calgary? Visit our dental clinic in NE Calgary to find out. Our team offers wisdom tooth extraction in Calgary (not as a specialist). We’ll assess your oral health and help you determine if wisdom tooth removal is best for your oral health.

Visit our general dental clinic today for wisdom tooth removal in Calgary!