POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
LOCAL ANESTHETIC
When your child received a local anesthetic injection to numb one or more teeth during their dental treatment. Local anesthesia allows dental procedures to be completed comfortably by temporarily blocking sensation in the tooth and surrounding tissues.
This medication is commonly used in pediatric dentistry and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to ensure children remain comfortable during dental procedures.
After the appointment, your child’s lip, cheek, tongue, and surrounding tissues may feel “asleep,” tingly, or swollen. This sensation is completely normal and will gradually wear off.
How Long Does Dental Numbing Last?
The numbing effect typically lasts 2–3 hours, though it may occasionally last slightly longer depending on the type of anesthetic used.
During this time, your child may experience:
A “fat lip” or swollen feeling in the lip or cheek
Difficulty speaking clearly for a short time
Drooling due to the numb sensation
A tingling or buzzing sensation as the feeling begins to return
These sensations are temporary and will disappear as the anesthetic wears off.
Preventing Lip, Cheek, or Tongue Biting
Because the mouth feels numb, children may accidentally bite their lip, cheek, or tongue without realizing it. If this occurs, please visit post operative care for lip, cheek, or tongue biting.
Lip or cheek biting is one of the most common temporary complications after dental numbing.
Parents should:
Monitor their child closely until numbness wears off
Do not eat anything that requires chewing until numbness goes away. Anything that melts in your child’s mouth should be okay (ie. ice cream, smoothies, broth, and etc.)
Remind them not to chew on their lips or cheeks
Discourage chewing on fingers, toys, or clothing
If a lip or cheek bite occurs, swelling and a small sore may develop the following day. These injuries usually heal within 5–7 days without the need for medication.
Eating After Local Anesthesia
It is best for children to wait until the numbness has completely worn off before eating. Eating while numb increases the risk of accidentally biting the lip, cheek, or tongue. If your child is very hungry before the numbness fades, you may offer soft foods that do not require chewing, such as:
Yogurt
Smoothies
Applesauce
Ice cream
Pudding
Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hot foods until normal sensation returns.
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable
Some children may feel uneasy or confused by the unusual numb sensation in their mouth. This is especially common for younger children who may not have experienced dental anesthesia before.
Parents can reassure their child by explaining that:
Their teeth are temporarily “asleep”
The teeth and lips will “wake up” soon
The strange feeling is normal and temporary
Providing calm reassurance can help children feel more comfortable as the anesthetic wears off.
When to Contact Tiny Tooth Co.
Please contact our office if:
Your child develops significant swelling of the lip or cheek
A lip bite becomes very large or painful
Numbness lasts longer than expected
You have any concerns about your child’s recovery
Our team is always happy to help guide you.