When you have stitches in your mouth after dental work, brushing requires careful consideration and a gentle approach to avoid complications.
According to dental guidelines, you should not brush the stitched area too early, as this can lead to the premature loss of stitches and delay the healing process.
Key Considerations for Brushing with Stitches
Brushing near stitches needs to be done with the right timing, technique, and tools.
When Can You Start Brushing?
Avoid brushing the area immediately. You can typically start gently brushing the area after the first 5-days following your procedure. Brushing before this time increases the risk of disturbing the stitches and disrupting healing.
How to Brush Gently
Once the appropriate time has passed (after the first 5 days), the brushing technique is crucial. You should start gently brushing from the gum to the tooth. This motion helps clean the area without pulling on the stitches or irritating the healing tissue.
Choosing the Right Brush
Using the correct type of toothbrush is essential for preventing harm to the stitches and surrounding tissues. Recommended brushes include:
- A baby's toothbrush
- A post-surgical brush provided by your dental professional
Both of these options are specified because they have very soft bristles that are designed not to harm the delicate healing tissues around the stitches.
Summary of Gentle Brushing Steps
To ensure proper oral hygiene while protecting your stitches:
- Wait: Do not brush the stitched area for the first 5 days after the procedure.
- Choose the Brush: Use either a baby's toothbrush or a post-surgical brush with very soft bristles.
- Brush Gently: After day 5, start gently brushing the area by moving the brush from the gum down towards the tooth.
- Avoid Trauma: Be extremely careful not to apply too much pressure or brush directly onto the stitches.
Following these steps, based on expert recommendations, helps maintain cleanliness while allowing your mouth to heal properly.
