Best Post-Oral Surgery Care Routine
If you’re reading this, you probably just had a form of oral surgery, or you’re planning on having surgery sometime soon. Naturally, you most likely have many questions about oral surgery recovery, if so, you’ve come to the right place!
At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we’re your St. George oral surgery recovery experts. It’s absolutely crucial to take great care of your oral health following surgery and we’ve compiled some of the most proven tips and tricks to help you have the fastest recovery possible!
Oral Hygiene After Oral Surgery
The first 24 hours
It is critical to be fully aware of what you can and cannot do in terms of oral hygiene directly following surgery. Most oral surgery operations involve some form of stitching to help heal the surgical site. Due to the nature of stitches, you should try to avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours following your oral surgery.
If rinsing is necessary, use warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth. When it comes time to spit, simply let the water fall out of your mouth into the sink, don’t force it out.
Brushing your teeth can also become a little tricky following surgery. Try your best to only brush your teeth gently, and steer clear of the actual oral surgery site if at all possible.
Flossing may also be considered in the first 24 hours, but only do so gently. If you are unable to open your mouth wide enough to floss effectively, simply wait a day or so to be able to floss normally.
Mouthwash should also be avoided within the first 24 hour period following your oral surgery.
After the first 24 hours
After the first 24 hours following surgery, it is time to begin escalating the healing process. This can be done by rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater or saline solution. The purpose of doing this is to help keep the surgical site clean and it will also aid with the healing process in a natural way.
Keep a close eye on your surgical site and watch for any abnormalities in the surrounding tissue. If you notice discoloration or rapid swelling, contact your doctor immediately.
We hope some of these ideas help ease your mind and any pain you may experience following oral surgery.
Call the team at the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute to schedule your next oral surgery appointment today! (435) 628-1100
