I get what you mean about the “official” rinses. After my extraction, I tried the prescription mouthwash—felt harsh and didn’t seem to help much with pain. Switched to saltwater and ibuprofen, and honestly, recovery was smoother. Sometimes simple really is enough.
Switched to saltwater and ibuprofen, and honestly, recovery was smoother.
I’m curious if there’s any real downside to just using saltwater? I tried the medicated rinse after my root tip removal, but it stung and made my mouth feel weirdly dry. Saltwater felt way gentler. Ibuprofen definitely helped with the throbbing, but I still wonder if I missed out on some benefit from the prescription stuff. Anyone else notice that prescription rinses just seem overkill sometimes?
I had the same question after my root tip surgery last month. Dentist gave me this fancy blue rinse—Chlorhex-something?—and it tasted like a swimming pool and made my tongue feel like sandpaper. I used it twice, then switched to saltwater because honestly, I was too freaked out by the weird aftertaste. Saltwater just felt way less harsh, and I didn’t notice any extra swelling or anything.
Ibuprofen was my best friend for those first couple days. I kept worrying I was missing out on some magical healing powers by not using the prescription rinse, but honestly, my gum healed up fine. I did get a little paranoid about infection, though, because everyone online seems to have horror stories. Still, I’d rather deal with a bit of anxiety than that burning, dry-mouth feeling.
Maybe the prescription stuff is better if you’re high risk for infection? I’m not sure. For me, saltwater and ibuprofen were enough. The less “chemical” taste, the better, especially when you’re already anxious about what’s going on in your mouth.
- Chlorhexidine rinse is pretty standard after oral surgery, but yeah, it’s got a strong taste and can cause some weird side effects like tongue numbness or staining.
- I’ve had patients complain about it drying out their mouth, too. Personally, after my own apicoectomy, I alternated with saltwater—didn’t notice any difference in healing time.
- Ibuprofen’s my go-to for post-op pain as well. Acetaminophen sometimes if I need to avoid stomach upset.
- For infection risk, the prescription rinse makes sense if you’re immunocompromised or have a history of oral infections. Otherwise, saltwater’s usually fine.
- Haven’t seen much benefit from those “natural” herbal rinses folks mention online—tried one once and it just made my mouth feel sticky.
Chlorhexidine always leaves my mouth tasting like I licked a penny, honestly. I only used it for a few days after my surgery before switching to saltwater—felt way less dry and weird. Didn’t see much difference in healing either, just like you mentioned. My oral surgeon was big on ibuprofen too, but I had to swap to acetaminophen at night because my stomach can’t handle NSAIDs for long.
Has anyone’s doc suggested those medicated gels you dab right on the gumline? I heard about one that’s supposed to numb the area and help with healing, but I’ve never tried it. Curious if it’s any better than just popping ibuprofen and sticking with the rinses. Also, anyone else notice their sense of taste gets weird for a while after these rinses? Mine took a couple weeks to get back to normal, which was kinda annoying when all I wanted was comfort food...
