If your child has a tooth extraction coming up, you might be prepared to help them throughout the process. The removal itself is relatively quick and easy with local anesthesia, but your loved one will likely feel sore afterward. This is normal, but there are ways you can help relieve their discomfort and have a smooth recovery. Here are six tips to keep in mind.
1.) Stick to Any Aftercare Instructions
Your child’s dentist will give you post-op instructions, and it’s important you follow these. They will detail guidelines that will help your loved one heal properly and efficiently. By sticking to them, you can feel confident knowing you are helping them avoid complications.
2.) Deal with Pain and Swelling
During your child’s procedure, they will be thoroughly numbed and given dental sedation. This helps make sure they aren’t in outright pain while their tooth is being removed, but they will likely start feeling sore after the effects of them go away. To give them relief, you can have them apply a cold pack for 15-minute intervals or give them their prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
3.) Make Soft Foods
Since your child may be in some discomfort after their treatment, certain foods can make it worse. Hot and crunchy items can lead to irritation, so consider swapping to a soft diet for the time being. Not only that, but make sure they don’t use a straw when drinking anything. This can lead to dry socket, which can be very painful.
4.) Let Your Child Rest
Although your loved one might be energetic and bounces off the walls, be sure they get plenty of rest. The more they run around and do a lot of activity, the more they risk increasing bleeding and delaying their healing. Consider having calm days planned with movie and game nights or reading books.
5.) Ensure Your Child Brushes and Flosses
Making sure your child brushes and flosses is still crucial after an extraction. However, they will need to be careful around the extraction site, so be sure to let them know to be gentle. That way, they can get rid of bacteria and plaque that can turn into problems later.
6.) Look Out for Signs of Trouble
As your loved one recovers, you should double-check to make sure it’s going smoothly. If they tell you that their discomfort is worsening, or they have a fever, persistent bleeding, or swelling, then you should call their dentist. That way, they can get a checkup and see whether any complications have occurred.
In the end, growing grins deserve to stay happy and healthy. Follow the tips above to help your child’s recovery after an extraction be problem-free.
About the Practice
At Purdy Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from a compassionate team of dentists who look after them and their oral health. We are dedicated to helping tiny teeth in the Bakersfield community be their best with a wide range of treatments. By offering same-day urgent visits, we can give your loved one the treatments they need right away toward a stronger smile. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (661) 832-5530.