Keeping your mouth clean after oral surgery - what actually works?

Yeah, salt water is actually way better than you'd think. Mouthwashes often have alcohol or other harsh ingredients that can irritate fresh wounds or slow down healing. Salt water, on the other hand, gently cleans the area and helps reduce swelling. My dentist recommended it after my oral surgery too, and I swear it made recovery way less painful. Another tip - cold packs on the cheeks help tons with swelling the first couple days...saved me from looking like a chipmunk.

Salt water definitely helped me too, but honestly, the cold packs were my lifesaver. I legit binged Netflix with frozen peas strapped to my face for two days straight... glamorous, right? Did anyone try warm compresses later on, or is cold the only way to go?

Warm compresses can make sense after the initial swelling phase, but the timing matters more with salt-water rinses. They’re usually started only when the surgeon advises, often after the first 24 hours, since rinsing too soon can disturb the clot. When you do start, use warm rather than hot water, let it sit or tilt it gently around the area, and avoid vigorous swishing or spitting. Follow the surgeon’s instructions if they differ, especially if bleeding or pain is increasing.