A tooth extraction isn’t a pleasant experience for anyone, but can be necessary to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. After an extraction, it’s important to maintain the health of your mouth, especially where your tooth was removed.
The care you give will help prevent infection, help the healing process and give you less discomfort. Our team is going to give you some helpful ways you can give the best care to your mouth after a tooth extraction.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours; this will keep the clot formed in the extraction site from bursting.
- After your tooth is removed, the dentist will place gauze pads on the extraction site. You can help reduce the amount of bleeding by biting firmly on the gauze. Make sure you change the gauze before they become soaked in blood or every 3-4 hours after the extraction.
- Eat softer foods after your extraction. These foods may include: soup, pudding, applesauce or yogurt. As the extraction site heals, slowly begin introducing solid foods into your diet.
- Keep an ice bag on the affected area after the procedure. This will help reduce the amount of swelling to your mouth. Keep ice applied to your face for only 10 minutes at a time.
- Don’t smoke; this can prevent your mouth from healing properly and may increase your risk of infection.
- Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or pharmacist.
And lastly, make sure to keep brushing your teeth and flossing daily, avoiding the extraction site. This can help prevent infection to the site. If you have questions about tooth extraction or any of our other services, please give us a call today at 913-685-2171.
Tags: tooth extraction, dental services, tooth removal, caring for your teeth, dental care, at home care, dentist, dental work, safe practices, procedures