TIPS FOR SKIN AND MOUTH CARE AFTER DENTAL TREATMENT

Simple remedies may make all the difference in how your skin and mouth heal after dental treatment or surgery.  Learn how.

Properly caring for your skin and mouth after a surgical or nonsurgical procedure may make all the difference in how your recovery goes.  Below, I have outlined simple methods of recovery care that will get you up and running very soon after therapy.  

PROTRUDING WIRES

Orthodontic or surgical wires are often used to stabilize certain dental or surgical treatments during the recovery phase.  Applying warmed bee's wax, orthodontic wax or silicone ear plugs to the ends of the wires may prevent these from irritating the tissues inside the mouth.  The silicone ear plugs may be cut into small pieces, molded, and used without falling apart.  Please remember to remove the wax before eating and brushing.

DRY/CHAPPED LIPS

Your lips may feel dry, irritated, or chapped after treatment of any kind in the mouth.  Medicated balms and ointments such as Aquaphor or Blistex work very well when applied regularly after therapy.  Additionally, drinking lots of water also expedites the healing process.  Avoid spicy and hot foods/liquids.  

DRY OR OILY SKIN

Most importantly, keep you face clean.  Apply moisturizers daily to protect the skin.  It is not uncommon to experience acne or excessively oily or dry skin after the medications and trauma of dental or surgical treatment.  Special moisturizers may be indicated for certain types of facial surgery or radiation treatments.  I would recommend you consult with your treating physicisan should any of these therapies apply to you.

MOUTH SORES

Sores are often related to the stress of surgery.  If sores are inside the mouth, try warm salt water rinses to heal these areas.  Liquid antacids, such as MYLANTA, are often used after the salt water rinse to help heal and soothe the wound by coating the mouth sores, much like coating an upset stomach.  Swishing refrigerated MYLANTA inside the mouth may also assist you in reaching those more difficult to access areas.  Please contact your physician or treating dentist should the problem continue for more than 2-4 weeks.

STOP SMOKING!

Smoking will interfere with wound healing, as it deoxygenates the tissue inside the mouth and slows down the normal healing process.  It dries and irritates the oral mucosa.

EXTERNAL WOUNDS

Saline or half strength hydrogen peroxide may be used to clean external wounds on the face or around the mouth. Applying Neosporin or Vitamin E ointment to the wound will protect the sore and discourage infection.

DENTAL EXTRACTIONS

Be sure to keep the extraction site clean, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine ( as prescribed ) regularly during the healing process.  Maintain a soft diet and do not smoke.  Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, and forceful spitting or blowing of the nose will also facilitate the healing process.  Contact your dentist should these recommendations not facilitate your recovery process.  

Staying in close contact with your treating physician, dentist, or surgeon will ensure a safe and uncomplicated recovery.  Know that our team is available to answer your questions and assist you along the path to a speedy recovery.