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Care after tooth removal is important. Healing may be slowed or problems can occur if these instructions are not followed.
Bleeding
· Have your child bite on a moist gauze pack for at least 15 minutes with a firm, constant pressure. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, apply pressure for 10-15 minutes more.
· Chewing, sucking or spitting can make the forming blood clot loosen and fall out.
· Keep your child quiet today. If your child lays down, use several pillows behind the back and head so he or she is partially sitting up.
· Some blood in the saliva is expected for the rest of today and possibly tonight. It may be wise to protect the pillowcase tonight.
Swelling
· Swelling is not expected for teeth that were already through the gums. Swelling is expected if the tooth was not yet through the gums or was impacted.
· If there is swelling, put an ice pack to the cheek in the area of the surgery for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off. This may need to be done for the first 6 to 8 hours.
Discomfort
· Give your child children’s ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil or generic) or children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) according to the instructions on the package, starting before the numbness wears off.
Diet
· Do not use straws, sippy cups, pacifiers or nursing bottles for 3-4 days, as the extra suction can cause the blood clot to come loose and restart bleeding.
· Avoid foods that can become small particles (popcorn, rice, tortilla chips, etc.) or carbonated beverages for 3-4 days.
Oral Hygiene
· Routine brushing can be started tomorrow. Brush the teeth as usual, and use a cotton swab (a Q-tip) around the sore spot.
· Also beginning tomorrow, rinse the mouth with warm water or salt water (1 tsp salt in 1 cup of warm water) several times per day. This will keep the area clean and encourage healing. Don’t spit the water out forcefully, though.
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