Yeah, I get the temptation—minty fresh sounds way better than salty water. But honestly, I’d be careful with mouthwash, especially right after a bone graft. Most of those rinses have alcohol or strong antiseptics that can really irritate raw tissue. I had a friend who tried it too early and ended up with stinging and more swelling, so I just stuck it out with the salt water even though it tasted like the ocean.
The weird numbness you mentioned is actually pretty common. I had patches along my chin and lower lip that felt half-asleep for weeks after my graft. Apparently, it’s from the nerves getting stretched or bruised during surgery—usually fades, but it can be slow. Ice packs helped a bit, but honestly, patience was the real trick. I found using a straw (carefully!) made rinsing less messy too.
If you’re craving something fresher, maybe try a salt-water rinse followed by gently brushing your tongue and cheeks? That helped me feel less gross without risking irritation.
