As a parent, it’s hard to see your child in any discomfort. Instinctively you want to do everything you can to make them all better. Following a tooth extraction, it can be easy for parents to feel powerless to help, but there are plenty of things you can do to make their recovery as smooth as possible.
Monitor the Situation
Prior to your child’s tooth extraction, the dentist will numb their mouth with anesthesia. Depending on the amount and type of anesthesia, this should wear off within a few hours. Pay close attention to your child while they are still numb so that they don’t injure themselves by biting their tongue or cheek. Be sure to only allow liquid foods and drinks until the effects wear off, and do not allow them to use a straw as this can interrupt the clotting process which stops the bleeding.
Keep Gauze in Place
Your dentist will send your child home with gauze in their mouth that they should bite down on for at least 45 minutes. If there is still a lot of blood present after removing the gauze, fold a new sheet and have them continue biting for another 30 minutes. If the bleeding has still not slowed after this additional round, call the dentist for further instruction.
Caring for the Blood Clot
Blood clots are very important in the healing process. They not only stop the gums from bleeding, but they also keep the opening safe from food debris and bacteria. Thus, it is important to create ideal conditions for clots to form. This means no drinking from straws, no strenuous activity, and no vigorous mouth rinsing for at least 24 hours after the extraction.
Stop Swelling
Some facial swelling is completely normal following tooth extraction. Bring comfort to your child and help reduce puffiness by applying a cold compress to their face in 20-minute intervals.
Watch What They Eat
Do not allow your child to eat any hard foods for the first 24 hours after their extraction, just liquid foods and drinks. Furthermore, do not let them have any hot foods or beverages during this critical healing time. You may allow them to eat soft foods after the first day but encourage them to avoid chewing on the side of the extraction until they feel comfortable doing so.
Keep it Clean
Have your child carefully avoid the extraction site when brushing their teeth in the first 24 hours post procedure. After the first day they can once again gently clean around the area and then rinse with warm salt water, which will help soothe it and keep it free of bacteria.
Now that you know how to care for your child’s tooth extraction site, you don’t have to feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines during the healing process. With a little extra TLC, they’ll be feeling better in no time!
About Dr. Pham
Dr. Jennifer Pham is a skilled dentist and a proud mom, so she understands how hard it can be for parents when their children undergo dental procedures. Thankfully, Dr. Pham and the team at Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg are happy to provide compassionate care to patients of all ages. Whether we’re making your child feel more at ease or educating you on the best ways to help them with their oral health needs, family isn’t just part of our name, it’s our way of life.
To schedule an appointment for an extraction or any other treatment, please visit our website or call us at 703-260-8344.