Brushing & Cleaning

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#1 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:26 am

Just had lower jaw surgery and for the life of me cant remember if my surgeon said if it was ok to use toothpaste to gently clean my teeth with. I've been given a specific type of mouthwash to use on a daily basis from the hospital but no toothpaste, which makes me believe the type of toothpaste isnt a major factor?

Was this the case for anyone else?

Also washing the face. Chin is a little bit more swollen than yesterday but ive gotten a bit more bottom lip movement woooo. So would warm water only on the face and then a gentle pat down be ok? Sorry if its an obvious answer lol just a little worried. Thanks in advance!

#2 Post by **geordie999** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:53 am

I had upper jaw surgery mid-May and was given a mouthwash too. For the first couple of days I just used the mouthwash but after that I was told I could use a very soft baby tooth brush with the mouthwash. I think I didn't use toothpase until the mouthwash ran out (couple of weeks). My OS also advised me against using an electric toothbrush for at least a month while the bones healed. I would check with your surgeon just to be safe.

#3 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:06 am

And you didnt get an infections by not brushing with toothpaste? Thats my main worry.

#4 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:07 am

#5 Post by **Chefflaco88** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:25 am

My surgeon actually told me not to use toothpaste because it is difficult to get all of the foam out of your mouth in the beginning. He told me to brush with a baby toothbrush and use the prescription mouthwash. I got an infection in one incision but that was at 6 weeks post op after I ran out of the mouthwash and I was brushing with toothpaste .

#6 Post by **redfoxjo** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 1:49 pm

I started brushing with toothpaste straight away as well as using mouthwash. I wasn't told not to so assumed it was okay and wanted to stay as hygienic as possible. I was banded shut so used a baby toothbrush and still am at nearly 5 weeks post op. I did get an infection so not sure if it was related. They said it was most likely trapped food so even using the toothbrush I still got infected!

Check with your surgeon anyway as clearly we have all been told different things

For those a few weeks post-op, when do you stop with the obsessive mouth-washing? I'm salt rinsing 5-6 times a day with mouthwash 4 times and brushing after every meal or sugary drink like juice or coffee. It's very tiring and kind of impossible when out and about so it would be good to know if I can go back to my pre-surgery routine soon which was twice a day and intradentals when needed.

Good luck with your recovery hope it goes ok

#7 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:17 pm

Thanks for all the info. Got an appointment with my surgeon on Thursday, until then im going to continue brushing my teeth with a baby toothbrush and use the provided mouthwash.

Constantly drinking a ton of water hoping this will help keep food sticking, but at the moment with it all swollen i cant really tell.

Like you said its different for every

thanks again.

#8 Post by **matty63** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:18 pm

***"..help keep food from sticking.."

Lol oops.

#9 Post by **geordie999** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:30 pm

I didn't get any infections just using the mouthwash and a baby toothbrush. I forgot to add that I was also on antibiotics (liquid) as well and it's very important that you keep taking them - I think it was every 6 hours for me. I think they ran out after about two weeks. At the 3-4 weeks my stitches were completely gone.