After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. This clot protects the bone and helps the area heal, so most aftercare advice is about keeping it in place. Your dentist's instructions come first, but these general tips can help.
The first 24 hours
- Bite firmly on the gauze for as long as you've been told
- Rest, and keep your head raised when you lie down
- Don't rinse your mouth, spit forcefully or use a straw
- Avoid smoking and tobacco
- Avoid alcohol and very hot drinks
- Take pain relief as your dentist advises
An ice pack held against your cheek for short periods can help with swelling.
What to eat
Choose soft, cool or lukewarm food such as curd, idli, mashed vegetables or soft rice. Chew on the other side of your mouth, and avoid anything crunchy, spicy or sticky until the area feels better.
Keeping your mouth clean
Brush your other teeth as normal, but take care around the socket. After the first 24 hours, your dentist may suggest rinsing gently with warm salt water after meals.
What's normal?
Some soreness, swelling and light oozing are normal for the first day or two. Discomfort should get better each day. Most people return to normal routines within a few days, although the gum takes a couple of weeks to heal.
When to call the clinic
Contact us if you have:
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with firm pressure on gauze
- Strong pain that gets worse a few days after the extraction
- Swelling that keeps increasing
- Fever, or a bad taste that won't go away
Worsening pain can be a sign of a dry socket, which happens when the blood clot is lost. It can be treated, so don't wait for it to pass.
Get urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Read more about tooth extraction.
This article is general information and isn't medical advice. Please see your dentist about your own teeth.
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