Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery
October 11, 2024 9:00 amSo, you’ve had a tooth pulled. Whether it was due to decay, crowding, or some other reason, the hard part’s over—but now it’s time to heal. To make sure your recovery goes smoothly, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. At River City Dental Family Care in Fort Smith, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow tips that’ll help you bounce back in no time.
1. Take It Easy—Seriously!
We know it’s tempting to get right back to your normal routine, but rest is so important after a tooth extraction. The last thing you want is to push yourself too soon and end up with a painful dry socket (trust us, you want to avoid that). Take at least the rest of the day off, put your feet up, and just relax. Even after you’re feeling better, avoid strenuous activities for a few days, and don’t be afraid to take it easy at work or school.
2. Stock Up on Soft Foods
You might not feel like heading to the grocery store right after an extraction, so plan ahead! Keep your kitchen stocked with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup. These are gentle on the extraction site and won’t mess with the healing process. Crunchy, hard foods like chips and nuts are a big no-no while you’re recovering. And, while it might be second nature, avoid using straws—they can cause the blood clot to come loose, leading to more pain and a longer recovery.
3. Keep Your Mouth Clean—But Gently!
It’s important to keep your mouth clean, but be gentle around the extraction area. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing near the site. After that, you can brush the surrounding teeth carefully, and consider rinsing with warm saltwater to reduce swelling and keep things clean. A simple saltwater rinse (just a teaspoon of salt in warm water) can work wonders for soothing the area without causing irritation.
4. Say No to Smoking and Alcohol
This one’s crucial: avoid smoking and alcohol while you’re healing. Smoking, in particular, can wreak havoc on your recovery, putting you at a much higher risk for dry socket. Alcohol can also slow down your healing process, so give yourself a few days off after oral surgery to let your body recover.
Expert Care at River City Dental Family Care in Fort Smith, AR
At River City Dental Family Care in Fort Smith, AR, Dr. Peyton Aven, Dr. Emily Steininger, and Dr. Amin Nasehi are here to guide you through every step of your recovery. We want to make sure you feel supported and informed, so you can get back to feeling your best as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your tooth extraction or recovery, don’t hesitate to give us a call—we’re always here to help!
