While most kids lose their baby teeth naturally starting around age 6, there are cases when tooth extractions may be necessary. Whether your child lost their tooth because of an accident, an abscess, or a cavity too large to be treated with a pediatric root canal, you may want to know how to best care for your little one after the extraction procedure.
Here are some steps that you can follow to ensure proper healing and comfort.
Your child's mouth will still feel numb for a few hours after the anesthesia. If the dentist used sedation, they may still be under its effects for a while. But, as these start to wear off, you can expect your child to complain about pain and discomfort. This is all normal and your child's dentist will likely prescribe some over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen to help alleviate the symptoms.
You may also notice a bit of bleeding after the extraction. Rest assured that's normal too. Use gauze to control it by applying gentle pressure on the extraction site.
Even if the dentist provided friendly and warm treatment, your child has been under stress. They may be in a bit of pain now and feel irritated after the procedure. Now is the moment to pamper your little one and help them get better faster.
For example, you can use an ice pack applied on the cheek to help with the swelling. Ice cream is a good idea too as it's a great and delicious way to reduce pain and swelling.
Make sure that they get plenty of rest, especially on the day of the procedure. Avoid any strenuous activities for a few days to give their little bodies the time and energy it needs to heal.
Stick with soft foods and liquids for the first few days and avoid giving your child anything too hot or too cold. Foods like yogurt, fruit smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, porridge, and scrambled eggs are perfect examples of nutritious foods that will help your child feel better and heal faster.
Avoid giving your child straws for their drinks as the suction motions can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and lead to a condition known as a dry socket, which can be very painful.
It may be tempting to skip their oral routine for a few days, especially since they may be in a fussy mood. But, their oral hygiene is now more important than ever and you need to make sure that they brush and floss their teeth correctly. Avoid the extraction site for a few days so you don't dislodge the blood clot. Give them some warm salt water to rinse their mouth with and keep the area clean.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Folsom or Elk Grove, the team at The Spot for Smiles can ensure that your little ones will always leave with a big and beautiful smile on their faces.
Contact us today to book your appointment.
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