Post-Operative Instructions: Tooth Extraction

When your child had a tooth extraction, which means a tooth was gently removed from the mouth. Extractions may be recommended in pediatric dentistry if a tooth is severely decayed, infected, or interfering with the normal development of permanent teeth.

Proper care after the procedure helps ensure comfortable healing and prevents complications. Please review the following instructions carefully to support your child’s recovery.

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact our office.

Bleeding After Tooth Extraction
Before your child was discharged, we confirmed that bleeding from the extraction site was under control. However, it is normal to see minor oozing or blood-tinged saliva during the first 24–48 hours.

To control bleeding:

• Place firm pressure on the extraction site using gauze

• Have your child gently bite down on the gauze for 20–30 minutes

• Replace the gauze if it becomes saturated and repeat as needed

A small amount of pink saliva is normal during the first couple of days.

Protecting the Surgical Site
The extraction area will form a protective blood clot, which is essential for proper healing.

During the first day after the procedure:

• Avoid touching or disturbing the extraction site

• Do not stretch the lips or cheeks to inspect the area

• Avoid vigorous rinsing or mouthwash
  • Do not place fingers or objects in the area

Beginning the day after surgery, gentle rinsing can help keep the mouth clean.

Salt Water Rinse
Mix: ½ teaspoon salt + 1 cup warm water

Have your child gently rinse after meals to help keep the area clean.

Avoid Straws and Spitting
For the first 7 days, your child should avoid:

• Drinking through a straw

• Spitting forcefully

These actions can dislodge the blood clot and interfere with healing.

Daily Activities

On the day of the procedure:

• Avoid physical activity or strenuous exercise

• Encourage rest

Most children can gradually return to normal activities the following day as tolerated.

Diet After Extraction
Once bleeding has stopped, your child may begin drinking cool, non-carbonated liquids. It is important that your child does not drink through a straw.

Recommended Foods for the First Day
Cold and soft foods are ideal, including:

• Yogurt

• Pudding

• Applesauce

• Ice cream

• Oatmeal

• Smoothies (without a straw)

• Mashed potatoes

By the second day, food consistency can gradually return to normal as tolerated.

Foods to Avoid
Until healing is well established, avoid foods that may irritate the area or become trapped in the surgical site:

• Nuts

• Chips

• Popcorn

• Hard or crunchy foods

• Sticky candy

Oral Hygiene
Keeping the mouth clean is important for proper healing. On the day of the extraction: Your child may brush and floss gently, avoiding the extraction site. Because the area may feel sore or swollen, vigorous brushing may not be comfortable. Encourage your child to clean the rest of the mouth as normally as possible while avoiding irritation of the surgical area. Beginning the following day, gentle saltwater rinses after meals can help keep the area clean.

Pain Management
Some discomfort after a tooth extraction is normal. To help keep your child comfortable:

• You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil) according to the dosing instructions on the bottle based on your child’s age and weight.

For best comfort, medication can be given before the numbness completely wears off.

⚠️ Do NOT give aspirin to children. If pain persists despite medication, please contact our office.

Swelling
Mild swelling or inflammation may occur during the first 1–2 days. To reduce swelling:

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek

• Use 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off during the first 24 hours

If swelling persists after the first day, warm moist compresses may help improve circulation and healing. Please contact our office if swelling continues beyond 48 hours or worsens.

Fever
A low-grade fever (up to 100.5°F) may occur during the first 48 hours after surgery. This is often part of the body’s natural healing response. However, please contact our office if:

• Fever exceeds 100.5°F

• Fever lasts longer than 48 hours

Dry Socket (Rare in Children)
If the protective blood clot becomes dislodged after extraction of a permanent tooth, a condition called dry socket may develop. This usually occurs 3–5 days after extraction and may cause:

• Persistent or throbbing pain

• Pain radiating to the ear or jaw

• An unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth

Dry socket is uncommon in children, but if your child experiences these symptoms, please contact our office.

When to Contact Tiny Tooth Co.
Please contact us if your child experiences:

• Bleeding that does not stop after pressure

• Severe or worsening pain

• Persistent swelling after 48 hours

• Fever above 100.5°F

• Signs of infection such as swelling or pus