Can I Brush My Teeth Before Surgery? 

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It depends on you would you like to brush your teeth before surgery or not. But it is essential to wash your mouth and spit it. Do not swallow the water or any food on the surgery day. 

Oral hygiene is essential and sound before the surgery. But can I brush my teeth before surgery?

You can brush your teeth 2-3 days before surgery with toothpaste. Always use mouth wash many times before the surgery and spit it. It is good to brush your teeth, and use mouth washes on the surgery day. 

Why is Oral Hygiene Important in Surgical Patients? 

Oral hygiene has become an essential aspect of patient care. It boosts up recently in health care settings. The provision of mouth care in the general surgical ward, and intensive care setting has recently gained momentum. Oral hygiene must be excellent before surgery. 

It is essential to care for your mouth. Daily brushing and flossing can keep bacteria under control and restricted.

However, without good oral hygiene, such as brushing, it can cause oral diseases and infections. Oral hygiene is also good before anesthesia in surgical patients.  

What is the Purpose of Oral Care? 

The primary purpose of oral care is to keep the mucosa and lips soft, intact, moist, and clean. 

Cleaning the mouth and teeth of food debris and dental plaque should reduce any pain, increase oral consumption, and prevent halitosis. 

What is Oral Hygiene? 

Oral hygiene is to keep the mouth neat and clean. It can prevent you from cavities, gingivitis, tartar, periodontitis, and other dental disorders.

You should always brush your teeth daily and before surgery to prevent bad breath (halitosis). Bad oral hygiene also reduces the confidence of a smile. 

What are the Indications of Good Oral Hygiene? 

According to the American Dental Association, about 100 million Americans do not visit the dentist yearly even though regular dental examinations.

Good oral hygiene can save you from many diseases and severe mouth issues. Here are the following indications of good oral hygiene; 

  1. Non-bleedy gums.
  2. The pink color of gums. 
  3. Pleasant mouth odor. 
  4. Smoothing feeling of cleaning. 
  5. Nonsensitive teeth. 
  6. The tongue is pink and moist. 
  7. Strong teeth. 
  8. Brightful smile. 
  9. No signs of smoking. 

How to Brush Your Teeth? 

Teeth should be brushed twice a day to keep your mouth healthy and prevent a bad smell. Once before going to bed and second in the morning. 

Always choose a medium-size soft bristles brush as stiff bristles can cause damage to the gums. Apply a small amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste and brush your mouth in a circular motion for 2 minutes. 

What Are the Tools For Oral Hygiene? 

To select the excellent and correct dental tool, the first step is to look for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Here are the tools for good oral hygiene and a bright smile;

  1. Toothbrushes. 
  2. Toothpaste.
  3. Dental floss.
  4. Oral irrigators.
  5. Dental picks and sticks. 
  6. Teeth whiteners. 
  7. Mouth wash. 
  8. Tongue scrapers. 

Summing Up: 

Oral hygiene is very important to keep your mouth healthy and maintain a bright smile. Always brush your teeth daily.

It would help if you brushed your teeth even on the surgery day, as it is good from an anesthesia point of view. 

On the surgery day, always use mouth wash and spit it. Don’t swallow anything on the day of surgery, as it will have a chance of aspiration in the lungs and might risk your life.