Pediatric Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Helping Your Child Heal Comfortably
A tooth extraction at Wilderness Station Pediatric Dentistry can be intimidating for children and parents alike, but proper aftercare ensures smooth healing and prevents complications. With some preparation and care, you can help your child recover quickly and comfortably.
The First 24 Hours
Immediately following the extraction, your child may experience mild swelling, discomfort, or slight bleeding.
- Keep them resting and avoid vigorous activity.
- Have them bite gently on a gauze pad to control bleeding, replacing it as needed.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of their cheek to minimize swelling.
- Avoid letting them use straws, spit forcefully, or touch the extraction site, as these can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Pain Management and Diet
- Mild discomfort is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, as your dentist recommends.
- For the first day, provide soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes. Avoid hot, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the healing site.
- Have your child drink plenty of fluids, but avoid carbonated or acidic beverages.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your child’s mouth clean is essential, but be gentle around the extraction site.
- Continue brushing and flossing other teeth carefully.
- Have your child rinse with a warm saltwater solution (only if we recommend) 24 hours after the procedure to reduce bacteria and promote healing.
Monitoring Healing
Most children heal quickly, but watch for warning signs such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or swelling that worsens after a few days. Please reach out immediately if you notice any of these things.
Follow-Up Care
It’s important to keep any scheduled follow-up visits so we can ensure proper healing. These appointments also provide an opportunity to discuss concerns and reinforce good oral hygiene habits.
With attentive care, your child’s extraction site should heal within a week. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery, reduce discomfort, and support your child’s overall oral health. If you have any other concerns over your child’s tooth extraction healing, we’re always here to help!
