You’ve just had a wisdom tooth removed and feel relieved that the ordeal is over. But wait – there’s one more thing you must take care of: the wisdom tooth hole. This is the tiny crater left in your jawbone where the tooth used to be. And it’s not just a cosmetic issue – it’s a potential source of pain, infection, and delayed healing.
The dreaded wisdom tooth extraction- you survived the procedure but now face the unpleasant aftermath of dislodging food debris from the tender holes in your gums where the teeth once were. Do not fret; with a water irrigator and steady hands, you can quickly blast those irritating morsels out of your mouth craters. But how to get food out of wisdom tooth holes?
There are several ways to clean and get food out of a wisdom tooth hole, including rinsing with salt water, using a syringe, gently brushing the area, using a water flosser, and avoiding certain foods.
What is a wisdom tooth hole?
A wisdom tooth is the third molar that typically grows in the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. If the wisdom tooth is impacted or causing problems, it may need to be removed through a surgical procedure.
When a wisdom tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the underlying bone and tissue as it heals. However, if this blood clot becomes dislodged or contaminated with bacteria, it can lead to a painful condition called a dry socket. Not only can dry socket delay healing, but it can also increase the risk of infection.
One of the primary culprits for dislodging or contaminating the blood clot is food particles that get stuck in the wisdom tooth hole. This is especially common if the hole is deep or difficult to reach. These food particles can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infection and further complications.
How to get food out of wisdom tooth hole
You must keep the wisdom tooth hole clean and food debris-free. But how do you do that without hurting yourself or disrupting the healing process? How do you avoid getting food stuck in the first place? And what do you do if you notice food particles in the hole?
Rinsing with salt water
It is generally recommended to avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after a wisdom tooth extraction, as this can disrupt the formation of a blood clot necessary for proper healing.
Rinsing with salt water can help clean the area around a wisdom tooth extraction site and may help eliminate any food bits that may be stuck in the hole.
If your dentist has suggested salt water rinses after wisdom tooth extraction, you can make a solution by mixing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gently swish the solution in your mouth, aiming the water toward the extraction site. Be careful not to swish or spit too hard, as this can move the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and slow down the healing process.
Herbal tea rinse
Rinsing with herbal tea can be a soothing and refreshing way to clean the mouth and throat. Herbal teas are made by steeping herbs or flowers in hot water, and they can provide various health benefits depending on the type of tea used.
Some herbal teas that may be beneficial for oral health include:
| Chamomile tea | Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce gum inflammation and soothe sore throat. |
| Peppermint tea | Peppermint has antibacterial properties and can help freshen breath, relieve toothache, and reduce oral bacteria. |
| Sage tea | Sage has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in the mouth and throat. |
To make an herbal tea rinse, steep a tea bag or a teaspoon of dried herbs in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable temperature, swish it around your mouth, and gargle for 30-60 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat the process several times a day as needed.
Alcohol-free mouthwash
Alcohol-free mouthwash rinses are a mild and effective way to clean the area around a wisdom tooth extraction site and help get rid of any annoying food bits that may be causing pain. Unlike regular mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can be rough and dry to the mouth, alcohol-free mouthwash rinses are made with gentle but effective ingredients like fluoride and hydrogen peroxide to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
To use an alcohol-free mouthwash rinse to clean a wisdom tooth hole, simply pour a little bit of the rinse into a cup and swish it gently around your mouth, making sure to aim the flow of the liquid toward the extraction site. The rinse will help clean the area and may help to get rid of any food bits stuck in the hole.
Water syringe
One such tool is a water syringe, which is a small, handheld device that can help wash out food bits and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Water syringes use a gentle stream of water to rinse and wash out food bits and debris from the extraction site. They are easy to use and an excellent option for those who want a more focused approach to cleaning a wisdom tooth hole.
To use a water syringe to clean a wisdom tooth hole, simply fill the syringe with warm water and place the tip of the syringe near the extraction site. Gently squeeze the syringe to release a slow stream of water into the hole, careful not to apply too much pressure or force. The gentle stream of water will help remove any food bits stuck in the hole, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Water flosser
Water flossers are handheld devices that use water to wash out debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, making them an excellent tool for keeping your oral health in great shape.
Using a water flosser to clean a wisdom tooth hole is easy and effective. Simply fill the reservoir of the flosser with warm water, place the tip of the flosser near the extraction site, and turn on the device. The water stream will help remove any food bits stuck in the hole, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Cotton swab
Using a cotton swab to clean a wisdom tooth hole might seem like a simple and low-tech solution, but it can be an effective way to get rid of food bits and keep your mouth feeling fresh. Cotton swabs are small and easy to use, making them convenient for those who want a quick and simple way to clean around a wisdom tooth extraction site.
To use a cotton swab to clean a wisdom tooth hole, simply wet it with warm water and gently dab it around the extraction site. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force, which can interfere with healing and cause pain or discomfort. The soft cotton tip of the swab will help remove any food bits stuck in the hole, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
FAQs
Conclusion
It’s estimated that approximately 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year in the United States. Hence, many people may experience this issue at some point.
In conclusion, several effective methods exist for getting food out of a wisdom tooth hole, including using an alcohol-free mouthwash rinse, a water syringe, a water flosser, or a cotton swab.
Each tool can help dislodge food particles and debris from the extraction site, leaving your mouth clean and refreshed.