“Can you brush your teeth after jaw surgery?”
I am a 34 year old male. I want to know if I can brush my teeth after jaw surgery?
5 Answers
Absolutely. That is the best defense against infection, keeping your mouth clean. Your surgical team should show you how to maintain your oral hygiene safely after surgery.
It's important to maintain proper hygiene, especially after jaw surgery. If there is limited or difficulty opening, a water irrigation device can help maintain proper hygiene. An alcohol-free antibacterial mouth rinse is beneficial as well.
Do not brush your teeth for 1 full week after surgery to avoid damage to the incisions and increased risk of bleeding. You should use warm saline rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in a tumbler of warm water). You should consult with your dental surgeon.
It depends on what type of surgery. You should definitely contact the surgeon and ask him/her for postoperative instructions.
Drew Shulman, DMD, MAGD
Drew Shulman, DMD, MAGD
Please consult your surgeon since I don’t know what kind of jaw surgery you had.
