Having an ideal oral hygiene is not only satisfying but also boosts your self-esteem by making you feel confident around people. It is normal to have wisdom teeth extracted by a dentist, but knowing how to clean wisdom teeth holes the right way is what puts most people in distress.
So, whether you just had your wisdom teeth removed or you are planning on doing it then, read on as this article got you covered. We help you understand in depth what wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth holes are and why it’s essential that you correctly clean them. We also walk you through smart tips on how to clean wisdom teeth holes without a syringe.
What exactly are wisdom teeth and wisdom teeth holes?
Also known as the third molars are the last set of teeth that get to erupt in your gum when you are in your late teens and early twenties (17-21). Most of the time, people tend to get 2 pairs of these teeth, but it should not come as a surprise if you get less than four of them or none at all.
On the other hand, wisdom teeth holes are holes that form on the base or socket of where the roots of your wisdom teeth were attached. These holes tend to naturally close after 6 weeks as long as the proper tooth extraction procedure is meticulously followed. Things you can do to speed up your wisdom teeth hole closing and healing process:
- Avoid brushing the teeth next to your wisdom teeth holes
- Avoid drinking hot drinks; instead, drink lukewarm drinks
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking anything for at least 24 hours after your wisdom tooth extraction
- Do not suck on straws, as this may cause you to have a dry socket
- Avoid eating foods that are sugary and chewy
The importance of properly cleaning your wisdom teeth holes
- You speed up your teeth’s holes healing process
- Prevent the spread of infection, which may at times be life-threatening
- You help ease pain and swelling at the site of extraction
How to clean wisdom teeth holes without a syringe
Knowing how to clean your wisdom teeth holes properly is of immense importance. This is so as it will help you avoid getting oral infections that may quickly spread to your face and neck, which may lead to your general health deterioration.
Below are some of the ways of cleaning your wisdom teeth holes without a syringe:
Rinsing
Rinsing your mouth is the most simple and effective way to clean your wisdom teeth holes properly. Remember that you should only rinse your wisdom teeth holes at least after 24 hours have elapsed since your tooth extraction. Try using:
Saltwater
- Mix one teaspoonful of quality salt in a warm glass of water, mix well until all the salt dissolves. NOTE don’t use cold or hot water
- Gently swish or gargle the saltwater in your mouth
- Do not spit it out as it may cause the blood clot formed to dislodge, which may, in turn, delay your healing process. Instead, let the saltwater fall out of your mouth into a clean sink
- Do this at least 3 times a day, most preferably after a meal
A mouthwash
Also known as a mouth bath or an oral rinse is an antiseptic liquid product that may be used to clean your teeth holes after tooth extraction. It’s highly recommended that you use a mouth rinse twice a day, and for a more effective clean-up job, gargle it for 45 seconds- 1 minute before letting it come out of your mouth.
Use of a clean cotton wool pad or swab
- Soak a clean cotton swab in warm water or a solution containing fluoride
- Correctly locate your teeth hole before inserting the cotton swab or wool inside (use a mirror and a good source of light)
- Gently brush around your tooth hole until you are satisfied that no food debris has been left
- Use water to rinse your mouth
NOTE! This technique only applies if your wisdom teeth hole is a week old.
Use of a spray water bottle
- Comfortably sit near a source of light and a mirror
- Considerately open your mouth to a size that you can easily place in a spray water bottle
- Correctly position your spray water on your wisdom tooth hole and gently spray water on it
Extra tip: Use a spray water bottle that firmly fits on your hand that is not too big and not too small. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before you start this procedure.
Utilize a clean and soft-bristled toothbrush
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your wisdom teeth holes is both practical and fast.
- Gently brush around your teeth hole
- Use warm water or a mouth rinse to remove the brushed debris in your mouth
- Wash your toothbrush in running water for about 20-30 seconds before storing it in a clean place
Make use of a water pick
Also known as an oral pulsating irrigator is a device designed to aim a stream of water in your teeth hole to remove any accumulated debris inside or around it. This device causes minor abrasion during a clean-up, thus preventing your teeth hole from bleeding or getting irritated.
Key takeaway
Knowing how to wash your wisdom teeth holes properly will help you maintain healthy oral hygiene after your teeth extraction. You can use a clean cotton wool pad or swab, a spray water bottle, and an oral pulsating irrigator to clean your wisdom teeth holes adequately. You may also clean your teeth holes with a warm glass of salt water or a mouth wash.
Remember you should only start cleaning your wisdom teeth holes 24 hours past the tooth extraction procedure to avoid delaying the healing process. Avoid eating sugary foods after a tooth removal procedure since sugar acts as a source of food for bacteria present in your mouth. For healthy teeth, ensure that you schedule a regular dental check-up with a certified dentist.
