Undergoing a tooth extraction can be a challenging experience for anyone. It might be particularly difficult for young children, who tend to be sensitive to discomfort. If your little one is soon going to have this procedure, you should take steps to make their recovery as easy as possible. Here are six practical tips to help your child heal:
Monitor the Numbness
Your dental team will numb your child’s mouth during the procedure. The numbness will probably linger for at least a couple of hours after their appointment. Until normal feeling returns to their mouth, you should not give your child any food. You do not want them to accidentally bite their cheek or tongue! It is fine to let them drink as long as the liquid is not too hot.
Know How to Handle Bleeding
Your child might experience some bleeding at the extraction site. To manage this, dampens some clean gauze and ask your child to gently bite down on it. Replace the gauze when necessary. If the bleeding goes on for more than 30 minutes, call your child’s dentist.
Protect the Blood Clot
A blood clot will form at the extraction site. It is an important part of the healing process, so it should not be prematurely dislodged. Here are some measures you can take to protect it:
- Prevent your child from participating in vigorous physical activity for at least one or two days
- Do not allow your child to consume crunchy or hard foods
- Do not let your child drink through a straw
Manage the Pain
If your child tells you they are in pain, it is okay to give them an appropriate does of a pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It may also help to apply a cold compress to the side of your child’s face for 20 minutes at a time.
Mind Your Child’s Diet
For at least the initial 24 hours after the extraction, your child should eat only soft foods. Things like applesauce, yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and brothy soups are all good options. You can even let them enjoy some ice cream as long as it is a flavor without hard add-ins, such as nuts or crunchy candies.
Keep an Eye on Oral Hygiene
For the first 24 hours after their appointment, your child should not floss or brush near the extraction site. Afterward, they can start gently cleaning the area. It might also be helpful for them to swish with warm salt water a few times each day.
Children tend to bounce back quickly from dental procedures. In the meantime, you can take some simple steps to help them enjoy a smooth recovery.
Meet the Practice
Here at Torrington Dental Care, we proudly provide a range of oral health services to patients of virtually all ages. If you have questions about children’s tooth extractions and what to expect during the recovery process, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us via our website or call us at 860-259-4073.