Most mouthwashes available at the drugstore contain antiseptics that are useful in eliminating bacteria, food debris, tooth decay, and plaque acids that continually build up on your teeth. They are also an addition to your daily oral care routine of brushing and flossing.
If you have had a tooth extraction, most dentists advise against using any type of mouthwash for the first 24 hours after the procedure. This is because it can disturb or dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket of the extracted tooth.
As with all surgical procedures, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before rinsing with any type of mouthwash after a wisdom tooth has been extracted. This gives your gums and the area in which the wisdom teeth were removed time to heal, reduces your risk of developing infection or bleeding, and makes it less likely that you’ll experience pain after the surgery.
A good way to speed up the healing process is to rinse your mouth twice a day with a salt water mouthwash. This is easy to do and can be made at home with ingredients you may already have on hand.
Chlorhexidine is a commonly prescribed mouthwash that is effective in killing the bacteria responsible for gingivitis. However, it can have side effects like staining and increase in tartar formation. This is why it is important to discuss the pros and cons of a prescription mouthwash with your dentist before you use any mouthwash after your tooth has been removed.
