Can I Use Non-Alcohol Mouthwash After a Tooth Extraction?
Ask your dentist. The NHS aftercare leaflet we read does not mention mouthwash. It says not to rinse and spit for 24 hours, then use a gentle salt-water rinse, and to avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours.
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We use your email only for this download.What the NHS leaflet says
The Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust tooth extraction leaflet gives these steps:
- For the first 24 hours, do not rinse and spit out.
- From 24 hours, you may use a salt-water rinse: a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinsing gently two to three times a day for three days.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours, because drinking in this period can cause infection in the wound.
What it leaves out
The leaflet does not mention shop-bought mouthwash, alcohol-free or otherwise. We found no official source we could open that clears a specific product, so please ask your dentist which one, if any, to use and when.
Follow the instructions from your own dental clinic if they differ from this leaflet.
Drinks versus mouthwash
“Alcohol-free” in a mouthwash is a different question from drinking alcohol. The leaflet’s alcohol warning is about drinks. Call your dentist if bleeding or pain gets worse. The standard drink calculator can help you track your intake.
People also ask
When can I rinse after a tooth extraction?
The NHS leaflet says not to rinse and spit for 24 hours, then use gentle salt-water rinses.
How long should I avoid alcohol after an extraction?
The leaflet says 24 to 48 hours, because alcohol can cause infection in the wound.
How do I make a salt-water rinse?
The leaflet says a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinsed gently two to three times a day for three days.
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