Can I brush and floss my teeth right after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I had my rhinoplasty on Tuesday the 26th. I've been brushing my teeth with my sonicare toothbrush. I also have been flossing. My concern is that either the vibrations from the electric toothbrush or the movements that occur in and around the mouth with flossing will in some disrupt my healing. I had an open rhinoplasty with osteotomies and cartilage grafts near my tip. Can flossing and brushing my teeth in any way impact my results and/or dislodge my cartilage grafts?

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

There are no concerns with flossing and brushing, with or without an electric toothbrush, after rhinoplasty surgery as long as you take care not to bump your nose.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is okay to brush teeth and floss after rhinoplasty as long as you make a point not to hit the nose by mistake.The vibration off the tooth brush will not do any home.RegardsDr. J

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think that using your vibrating toothbrush or gentle flossing will have any impact on your result.

Jordan P. Sand, MD · Answer

Hi rhinopostop and thank you for your question.
I usually don't put any restrictions on dental care for my rhinoplasty patients. However, following rhinoplasty every surgeon has their own post-operative routine. I would recommend contacting your surgeon's office to discuss their preferences for post-operative care.
Good luck!

Can I brush and floss my teeth right after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)