Are you missing a tooth? Sixty percent of American adults must have a tooth removed due to tooth decay or gum disease. If you have had a tooth extracted (or removed), you need to know what to do after your tooth is removed. Here are some tips for tooth care after extractions.
How to Care for Your Mouth After an Extraction
The first thing you should do after a tooth extraction is to treat your mouth carefully because it may be a bit tender and sore. Your mouth needs time to heal. After your tooth is extracted, the dentist will place gauze into the site where your tooth was. The site may also be numb from the medication used during surgery. Wait to eat or drink until after the numbness had worn off. You will also want to stick to soft foods because there is little chewing involved.
Rinsing
You will need to keep your mouth very clean for a few days after a tooth extraction. One way to make sure you keep the area where you had the tooth extracted clean is to rinse your mouth after each meal with warm salt water. You can also rinse with antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash. That way, you should be able to keep the area clean, which lowers the risk of infection.
Be Careful What You Eat
For the first few days, you'll want to continue to eat a soft diet. Avoid any foods that are difficult to chew or that are hard, pointy, or sharp, such as chips. After tooth extraction, your gums might be sensitive, and you don't want to irritate them further with foods that may cut or wear on them. Also, avoid sugar and excessive carbs because carbs make the bacteria in your mouth grow more quickly. Once the area heals, you'll be able to return to eating the foods you love.
Are you missing a tooth? Sixty percent of American adults must have a tooth removed due to tooth decay or gum disease. If you have had a tooth extracted (or removed), you need to know what to do after your tooth is removed. Here are some tips for tooth care after extractions. 