Can I rinse my mouth with normal saline after tooth extraction?

In general, after tooth extraction, you may rinse your mouth with normal saline, but you must strictly follow the time and method requirements. Rinsing with normal saline helps clean the oral cavity and prevent infection; however, improper operation may cause bleeding or dislodgement of the blood clot, thus affecting healing.

A blood clot forms at the extraction site, which is key to the healing process. Rinsing too early, especially forceful rinsing, may disrupt the blood clot, leading to bleeding, infection, or dry socket. If your dentist recommends using normal saline immediately after the surgery, strictly follow their instructions, usually gentle swishing rather than forceful rinsing. After 24 hours, when the blood clot has become preliminarily stable, you may gently rinse the wound with normal saline, but avoid vigorous movements.

Use 0.9% normal saline (isotonic saline), which has an osmotic pressure close to that of human body cells and will not irritate the wound. Place a small amount of saline in your mouth, tilt your head slightly, allowing the saline to slowly contact the extraction site, swish gently for 30 seconds, and then spit it out carefully. Do not puff your cheeks or spit forcefully, as this may dislodge the blood clot. Rinsing 3-4 times daily is sufficient, with better results after meals or before bedtime.

Rinsing with normal saline after tooth extraction is an effective measure to maintain oral hygiene and promote wound healing. It not only helps prevent infection but also alleviates postoperative discomfort, making it an important part of oral postoperative care. If you experience persistent pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or other abnormal conditions, seek medical attention promptly for further treatment and guidance.