How to Help Your Child Recover from a Tooth Extraction

If you’ve had a tooth extraction in the past, you know that the recovery process isn’t the most comfortable experience. Your child will most likely agree when their upcoming appointment comes around. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to help your child recover efficiently and as comfortable as possible. Continue reading to learn some of the things that you can do to make the whole process a breeze!

Advise Them Through the Numbness

Your child’s mouth will be numb for a while after their extraction. Advise them not to bite down on their tongue or cheeks. They could accidentally injure themself without realizing it. This is why they should only be given drinks and liquid foods until the local anesthetic completely wears off. Don’t allow them to consume anything with a straw. The suction in the mouth created by straw use can dislodge the blood clot and prevent their smile from healing properly.

Help to Reduce Bleeding

Before your child leaves the practice, a gauze pad will be placed on the site to control the bleeding as the blood clot forms. The gauze should be left in place for about 45 minutes after leaving the office in order to stop any bleeding. If bleeding persists after the gauze has been removed, you should do the following:

• Fold a piece of clean gauze into a thick pad. Dampen it with warm water and place it on the extraction site.
• Instruct your child to bite down on the gauze with gentle pressure for about a half hour.
• If bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes, give their pediatric dentist in Midland a call.

Soothe Pain and Inflammation

Your child may experience discomfort and swelling for the first few days after their extraction. This can be reduced by using a cold compress or ice pack on their cheek for about 20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter and prescription medication should only be taken as directed.

Clean the Area Carefully

Make sure that your child doesn’t clean the area around their extraction for 24 hours after the procedure, but they should still be brushing and flossing their other teeth as usual. The next day, they can begin normally cleaning the teeth near the extraction site and should gently rinse their mouth daily with warm saltwater. Rinsing too vigorously can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process.

Tooth extractions aren’t something that we look forward to, but with proper aftercare, the recovery process will be a breeze!

About the Author

Dr. Weston Jones is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To learn more about tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Midland, visit his website or call (432) 520-5437.