While it would be ideal if all permanent teeth lasted a lifetime, it doesn't always work out that way. Certain situations, such as an infected tooth or advanced gum disease, can warrant tooth removal. The good news is that the procedure is fairly routine and easy to recover from. Here are some tips to speed up the healing process.
1. Stick to Soft Foods
It's likely that your mouth will be sore for a couple of days after your tooth extraction. That's why it's important to eat only soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and oatmeal. These foods don't take much effort to chew and won't cause you any additional discomfort.
2. Take It Easy
Even if you feel perfectly fine after your tooth extraction procedure, you should avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Doing too much too soon may cause bleeding and additional pain. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night and take it pretty easy during the day. If you feel tired during the day, don't hesitate to take a nap.
3. Clean Your Mouth
A day after your tooth extraction procedure, clean your mouth with a salt water rinse a few times a day. Remember to swish this solution in your mouth after you eat meals. Doing so will help remove bacteria from your mouth and prevent infection.
4. Don't Use Straws
While drinking from a straw is certainly convenient, you should avoid doing this after your tooth extraction procedure. Using a straw can actually dislodge your blood clot. To prevent any unnecessary issues, you should stay away from straws for at least a week after the procedure.
5. Keep Your Head Elevated
When you are sleeping or resting, it's important to keep your head elevated. If you lie flat, you can increase inflammation and prolong the healing process. Just put a couple of extra pillows behind your head as you lie down.
6. Don't Smoke
If you are a smoker, your dentist will advise you to stop a couple of weeks before your scheduled tooth extraction. Smoking tobacco can dislodge your blood clot and increase your risk of infection. You'll want to wait at least two days after the procedure to continue smoking again.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to recover from your tooth extraction just fine. If you experience heavy bleeding or pain, contact your dentist right away.
Share5 December 2018
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