Mouth hygiene after an operation in the mouth

Follow these steps when you brush your teeth.

• Brush at least three times a day.
• Do not use toothpaste at the same time as chlorhexidine mouthwash as toothpaste will block the effects of the chlorhexidine. Use toothpaste at other times (1-2 hours before or after rinsing with chlorhexidine).
• Always use a small children’s toothbrush Hold the brush under the hot tap until it is very soft. If you have dental braces or similar, you should brush particularly carefully. Perhaps use a solo toothbrush across the edge of your gum and the braces.
• Stand in front of a mirror and make sure you have good lighting.
• Pull at the corner of your mouth with your index finger so that you can see all your teeth.
• Brush systematically to make sure you brush all your teeth. Remember to brush the back of your teeth as well. It is important that you remove all the plaque from your teeth, as plaque is bacteria.
• Only brush with water. Rinse your mouth with 1 tablespoon of 0.1% chlorhexidine mouthwash for one minute after each brushing.
• Do not drink or eat anything for one hour after rinsing your mouth with chlorhexidine. This will give the chlorhexidine time to fully clean your mouth.

Continue to clean your mouth in this way until the wound has healed, the stitches have been removed, and the transparent plastic brace on your teeth has been removed.

Chlorhexidine may cause a dark-brown discoloration of your teeth, but this can be removed by an ordinary tooth scaling.

Do not use toothpaste until the day after the operation

Wait for 1-2 hours after you have rinsed your mouth in chlorhexidine before brushing your teeth with toothpaste. Toothpaste prevents chlorhexidine from working, and therefore you should not use toothpaste after rinsing with chlorhexidine.

If you have any queries or problems, you are welcome to contact us.