Keeping my mouth clean after apicoectomy is driving me nuts

I totally get where you’re coming from. After my apicoectomy, I was so nervous about brushing near the stitches that I pretty much avoided that whole side for a few days. But honestly, being too gentle can actually let bacteria build up, which isn’t great for healing either. I found using a super soft brush and saltwater rinses helped a lot, but I still worried every time I ate something even slightly chewy. Did your dentist give you any special instructions or recommend a certain mouthwash? That made a difference for me, but I still felt paranoid for at least two weeks.

Yeah, my kid had the same thing - apicoectomy plus stitches. I was way more stressed than he was, honestly. Dentist told us to use a baby toothbrush and just be gentle but not skip that side. The saltwater rinse was a lifesaver, but man, trying to keep a 10-year-old from chewing on the wrong side? Nearly impossible.

I still worried every time I ate something even slightly chewy.

Same here. We stuck to soft foods for a week and I hovered like a hawk. Didn’t bother with mouthwash, just lots of rinsing and patience... and maybe a little bribery with ice cream.

Totally get the stress - my niece had an apicoectomy last year and I swear the hardest part was keeping her from poking at the stitches. I do wonder if skipping mouthwash is best, though? I’ve always thought a gentle, alcohol-free rinse helps, but maybe that’s just me being paranoid about bacteria. Soft foods are a must, though... mashed potatoes basically became a food group.

Soft foods are a must, though...

Alcohol-free rinses are usually fine, but honestly, I still worry about even the gentle ones irritating the area. After my own surgery, I stuck to salt water for a while - it stung less and felt safer. Totally agree about soft foods; anything crunchy was a nightmare. Took me maybe two weeks before brushing felt less like defusing a bomb, but I was still super careful for at least a month. The paranoia about messing up healing is real... I kept checking the mirror for any weird changes daily.