Post-Extraction Care and Oral Hygiene

After you have a tooth extracted, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific post-extraction care instructions. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure proper healing.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

After you have a tooth extraction done, you may be wondering what the next best steps are for recovery. Practicing good oral hygiene will be the most important thing you can do to ensure an efficient and effective recovery.

First, remember to bite down on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. Change the gauze as instructed once you are home. Make sure you apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Use it for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Maintain good oral hygiene around the extraction site, but please remember to be gentle. You can typically resume brushing your teeth the day after the extraction but avoid the extraction site. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, as it can dislodge blood clots and delay healing.

What to Avoid for Food and Drink

It’s important for patients to eat a diet of soft foods for the first few days, including foods like yoghurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid hot and spicy foods. You will also need to avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots.

Likewise, stay away from hard, crunchy, or very hot foods and beverages that may irritate the extraction site. Do not chew on the side of the mouth with the extraction for a few days, and do not touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.

Do not smoke or consume alcohol during the initial healing period, as they can hinder the healing process.

Scheduling Your Follow-Up Appointments

Attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your healing progress and remove sutures if necessary. Another part of postoperative habits to practice after a tooth extraction is to take it easy for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Avoid strenuous activities and rest as much as possible – it really does make a difference in your healing.