Dentist Questions Dentist

Can I use Listerine after a tooth extraction?

I am a 36 year old male. I want to know if I can use Listerine after a tooth extraction?

5 Answers

Yes, you can.
No. It may disrupt the clot formation as well as irritating the site
I would wait a day. Don’t swish. You might break the clot.
Yes, but it is a bit irritating. Starting the day after extraction, just rinse with water after you eat to keep the socket clean.
Dear Reader,

Listerine is 40% alcohol. Imagine putting rubbing alcohol on a cut. It really burns. Same with rinsing with it on a surgical (extraction) site. I would use warm salt water for the first day or two, then go back to using it. If you have to use it because you like the taste, then dilute it with water to cut the alcohol content.

Hope this helps,

Steven Chamish, DDS