Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/3/2009

Question
Hello, I just got my wisdom teeth taken out about a week ago.    On the left bottom surgery site, there is a small hole in my cheek.  I noticed a foul taste in my mouth, so I rinsed with the water injector I was given; that removed most of the food that was apparently caught inside.  The new growing tissue is supposed to appear white, but I don't know how to tell the difference between food and the new tissue.  I need to know how to properly clean inside of the wound, seeing as I can't see how far or where it goes.  The bad taste is still lingering, and I fear that it is infected.  To summarize, how do I effectively/ successfully clear it of food and keep it bacteria free, as well as how can I tell the difference between tissue and food?

Answer
Maddie -  The best way to be sure to keep the area clean and prevent infection or inflammation, is to just simply rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses for a couple of minutes 3-4 times a day.  I am not totally fond of the syringe.  It often applies too much pressure during the squirting and can actually cause the debris to be pushed deeper.  

So just do the warm salt water rinses and the area should heal well.