Learning your child needs to have a tooth removed may not be the most welcoming information their pediatric dentist can provide. However, the procedure is a lot more common than most parents realize. As you and your little one prepare for the day of their appointment, you’ll need to know what you can do to help them recover from children’s tooth extraction in Garland. Here are four tips to keep in mind that will ensure optimal healing in the days and weeks following their procedure.
Avoid Food and Beverages Until Numbness Subsides
Not all children receive the same amount of anesthesia when having a tooth removed. As a result, how long they will remain numb after their procedure will vary. Most will begin to feel normal after only a few hours. Until they no longer feel the effects of the anesthesia, it is best to avoid offering anything they can consume to prevent them from accidentally biting down on their tongue or cheek.
Make Sure They Don’t Develop a Dry Socket
Once a tooth is extracted, a blood clot must form in the vacated socket to encourage proper healing. Your child will need to be mindful not to do anything that might cause the clot to dislodge. If it does, they will have what is known as a dry socket, which can be incredibly painful and increase your child’s risk for an infection. To keep this from happening, make sure they do not practice any of the following for at least 24 hours:
- Sip through a straw
- Spit but instead use a napkin to wipe away excess saliva
- Rinse or swish with mouthwash
- Participate in physical activities
Stick to Soft Foods and Liquids
Although your child may be craving a juicy hamburger or spicy chicken following their procedure, you’ll need to keep them on a liquid and soft food diet for 24 hours. Once your child begins to feel more comfortable eating, they can begin to consume solid foods, but you’ll need to remind them not to chew on the side of their mouth that underwent surgery.
Be Mindful of the Cleaning Process
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is essential, even after tooth extraction. However, waiting 24 hours is also necessary before resuming their normal dental routine. When observing or helping your child take care of their teeth and gums, make sure they avoid the extraction site but continue to brush and floss the rest of their smile like normal. Rinsing with mouthwash should be avoided and instead, they can use a warm saltwater mixture to alleviate discomfort, minimize infection, and encourage quicker healing.
Keeping these four tips in mind will ensure your child is on the right path to a successful and speedy recovery. If you notice any potential problems or issues along the way, don’t hesitate to contact their pediatric dentist in Garland for help.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Preece is a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University. He completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY, and is a staff member at Children’s Health Dallas/Plano. Dr. Preece and his colleagues want parents to have the appropriate information to help their children heal from tooth extractions. Because of the commonality of this procedure, he and his team will provide clear instructions that are designed to encourage and promote safe and effective healing at home. If your child is preparing for tooth removal, visit our website or call (972) 309-9992.