Getting a tooth extracted is never fun. But if you’re a swimmer, the real question hits you pretty quickly after leaving the dentist’s office: “When can I get back in the pool?”
The short answer? Wait at least 48 hours for simple extractions. For surgical extractions or wisdom teeth, you’re looking at one to two weeks minimum.
Here’s why that matters—and what happens if you don’t wait.
Why Swimming After Tooth Extraction Is Risky
When your dentist pulls a tooth, you’re left with an open wound in your mouth. Your body immediately starts forming a blood clot at the extraction site. This clot is essential—it protects the bone, prevents infection, and starts the healing process.
Swimming threatens that clot in two ways:
1. Water Isn’t Sterile
Even chlorinated pool water contains bacteria. While those bacteria won’t hurt intact skin, they can cause serious infections in an open wound. Natural bodies of water—lakes, rivers, oceans—harbor even more bacteria.
2. Physical Activity Dislodges the Clot
Swimming raises your heart rate and blood pressure. This increased pressure can literally knock the clot loose, exposing bone and nerve endings. The result is a painful condition called dry socket that can set your recovery back by weeks.
How Long Should You Wait?
The timeline depends on what type of extraction you had:
Simple Extraction (one tooth, minimal complications)
- Minimum wait: 24-48 hours
- Recommended: 48-72 hours
- Get your dentist’s okay before swimming
Surgical Extraction (impacted tooth, multiple teeth, bone removal)
- Minimum wait: 5-7 days
- Recommended: 10-14 days
- Schedule a follow-up to confirm healing
Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Minimum wait: 7 days
- Recommended: 14 days
- These take longer because they’re often surgical extractions
Signs You Should Wait Longer
Don’t swim if you’re experiencing:
- Any bleeding, even light oozing
- Pain that’s getting worse instead of better
- Swelling that hasn’t started going down
- Foul taste or odor from the extraction site
- Fever over 100°F (38°C)
These symptoms mean you either need more healing time or have developed a complication. Call your dentist before making any plans.
Not All Water Is Equal
Where you swim matters:
Chlorinated Pools = Lowest risk once you’ve waited the minimum time
Lakes and Rivers = Higher bacterial load; add 2-3 extra days to your wait time
Ocean = Saltwater has antibacterial properties, but waves mean more vigorous swimming; same caution as lakes
Hot Tubs = Warmest water = most bacteria growth; wait at least 2 weeks minimum
What to Do While You Wait
Speed up your healing with these steps:
First 24 Hours:
- Bite down on gauze to control bleeding
- Apply ice packs (10 minutes on, 15 minutes off)
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws
- Rest—seriously, just rest
After 24 Hours:
- Gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water)
- Brush teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site
- Eat soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies)
- Take prescribed medications on schedule
Throughout Recovery:
- Stay hydrated (no straws!)
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Skip alcohol and tobacco—both delay healing
- Don’t poke the site with your tongue
When You Finally Get Back in the Water
Your first swim after tooth extraction should be gentle:
- Keep it short (15-20 minutes max)
- Swim at an easy pace—no sprint sets
- Try to keep your mouth closed underwater
- Skip diving and flip turns initially
- Check for bleeding or pain afterward
If anything feels off, get out and call your dentist.
What Happens If You Swim Too Soon?
Two main complications can occur:
Dry Socket
The blood clot gets dislodged, exposing bone and nerves. Symptoms include severe pain starting 2-3 days after extraction, bad breath, and visible bone in the socket. Treatment requires your dentist to place medicated gauze in the socket—and extends your recovery by a week or more.
Infection
Bacteria from the water enters the wound. Symptoms include increasing pain, swelling, fever, pus, and red streaks on your face or neck. Infections require antibiotics and sometimes additional procedures. Severe infections can spread to other parts of your body.
Both complications are preventable by simply waiting the recommended time.
Common Questions
Can I shower or bathe after tooth extraction?
Yes. Just don’t forcefully rinse your mouth or let shower water blast directly into your mouth during the first 24 hours.
What about my hot tub at home?
Home hot tubs aren’t any safer than public ones. The warm water promotes bacterial growth regardless of where the tub is located.
I feel fine after 24 hours. Can I swim?
“Feeling fine” doesn’t mean “fully healed.” The clot is still fragile at 24 hours. Wait at least 48 hours, preferably 72.
Does it matter if I keep my head out of water?
Even without submersion, swimming increases your blood pressure and risks dislodging the clot. Water can also splash into your mouth.
Conclusion
Tooth extractions are minor surgeries that require real recovery time. Swimming too soon can cause infections or dry socket—complications that will keep you out of the water far longer than if you’d just waited in the first place.
For most people, 48-72 hours is sufficient for simple extractions. Surgical procedures need one to two weeks. When in doubt, wait an extra day or call your dentist.
The pool will still be there. Your healing won’t wait.
