How to Take Proper Care Of Yourself After A Tooth Extraction

Take care of yourself after your tooth extraction.

After extracting a tooth, proper care is needed to keep you from experiencing complications. Here are some things that you can do to prevent you from having an infection and to promote healing.

Instructions

1. Use gauze according to your dentist's instructions. You will be given a package of gauze and a piece will be placed over the extraction. To reduce the bleeding, you should put pressure gently on the area by biting down on the gauze. When the gauze is saturated, change it for a new piece of gauze.

2. Eat foods that do not require chewing for the first 24 hours, such as soups, liquid meal replacement, yogurt or mashed potatoes. After the 24 hours continue to use caution when eating. Eat only on the side that is not affected.

3. Avoid rinsing your mouth or drinking from a straw for 24 hours after the extraction. You may dislodge the blood clot that must form for proper healing. After 24 hours rinse gently with a solution of warm salt water.

4. Take pain medication and, if applicable, antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

5. Get plenty of rest.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap some ice in a cloth and apply to the affected area.

• Resume your regular oral care after 24 hours.

• Do not touch the tooth-extraction area with your fingers or tongue.

• Do not smoke after a tooth extraction.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What You Can Expect
• American Dental Association: Tooth Extractions