You want your child’s smile to be healthy for their entire childhood. Unfortunately, sometimes a dental issue arises, no matter how much you do to protect their pearly whites. Whether it’s due to tooth decay, trauma, gum disease, or a requirement for orthodontic treatment, sometimes children have to get a tooth extracted. But no worries! It is not an uncommon occurrence and there are things you can do to make it as smooth as possible. Read on for four helpful tips from your dentist.
#1: Be Mindful of Numbness
Your child’s mouth will remain numb for a few hours after their tooth extraction. Be sure to advise them not to bite down on their tongue or cheeks as this could lead to accidental injury. In addition, they should only consume liquids (either food or beverage) until the local anesthetic completely wears off. They also should not use a straw as the suction in the mouth created by it can dislodge the blood clot and prevent their smile from healing properly.
#2. Help to Reduce Bleeding
Before your child leaves the dental office, a gauze pad will be placed on the treated area to control the bleeding as the blood clot forms. The fabric should be left in place for about 45 minutes after leaving to stop any bleeding. If it continues to bleed after the gauze has been removed, you should do the following:
- Fold a piece of clean gauze into a thick pad and dampen it with warm water. Place it on the extraction site.
- Instruct your little one to gently bite down on the gauze for about a half-hour.
- If bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes, contact their dentist.
#3: Soothe Any Swelling and Pain
Mild discomfort and swelling are to be expected for a few days after the extraction, but this can be reduced by applying cold compresses or ice packs to their face for about 20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to help them feel more comfortable. If their symptoms don’t improve, contact your child’s dentist immediately.
#4: Clean the Area Carefully
Your child should not clean the teeth located near the extraction site for 24 hours after the procedure, although they can still brush and floss their other teeth as usual. The next day, they can resume their full dental routine, including near the extraction site. They can also use a warm saltwater mixture to gently rinse their mouth. This homemade antibacterial wash will prevent infection and greatly promote healing!
No matter what your age, having a tooth pulled isn’t exactly a fun time. However, there are things you can do to make a tooth extraction more comfortable and stress-free, especially for your child. Your little one will return to their happy and healthy smile before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo and his team at Coral Kids Dentistry and Braces are eager to help keep your child’s smile healthy throughout every stage of their growth! He completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and is an accredited member of several dental associations, including the Ontario Dental Association. As a parent himself, he understands the importance of keeping your child comfortable during a dental emergency. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call +1 905-684-5437.