After my bone graft, I got super paranoid about infection. Swishing with saltwater (not mouthwash, just saltwater) after eating seemed to help a lot. Anyone else got easy tricks like that?
Saltwater rinses are classic, but honestly, I found them a bit harsh sometimes, especially in the first few days. My surgeon suggested just using water or a super diluted salt solution if it started to sting. I was also told to avoid even gentle spitting or swishing too vigorously since that could mess with healing. It's weird how every doc seems to have their own take on aftercare... anyone else told to just let water sort of roll around instead of really swishing?
It's weird how every doc seems to have their own take on aftercare... anyone else told to just let water sort of roll around instead of really swishing?
Yep, I was told the same thing after my last extraction. Just tip your head and let the water move gently—no real “swishing.” First time I tried saltwater, it stung like mad. Ended up using just lukewarm water for a few days and it healed up fine. Sometimes less really is more, especially early on.
Interesting—my oral surgeon was super strict about not swishing, just like you both mentioned. They actually showed me how to tilt my head and let the water just sort of pool and drain. I tried saltwater too, but it burned more than I expected. Ended up waiting a couple days before trying again, and that helped a ton. Seems like everyone’s got a slightly different method, but gentle definitely worked for me.
Yeah, I totally get the saltwater burn—it stings way more than I expected, especially right after surgery. I was so scared of messing up the graft that I barely let anything touch the area for days. Did anyone else worry about food getting stuck? I felt like I was checking every five minutes.
