Baby Tooth Extraction

While commonly baby teeth are lost naturally in order to make way for the adult teeth growing in, in certain cases baby teeth must be pulled to prevent any misalignment of the permanent teeth. The extraction of baby teeth is a relatively painless procedure for the child, although there may be some pain and sensitivity following the procedure. Our team has provided some essential tips to keeping your child’s post treatment experience as pain free as possible and keep your child’s oral hygiene as perfect as possible.

After the Extraction

Discourage Sipping from a Straw and Swishing For around 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure, the treated area is very sensitive and may cause pain and discomfort. A healthy blood clot forms around the affected area, and it must not be dislodged as this could lead to additional bleeding. Using straws may easily dislodge this clot, as well as swishing any liquids in the mouth. Discouraging the use of straws and swishing liquids around in the mouth will prevent the blood clot from being disrupted.

Stick to Soft Food

After the extraction, the affected area and the area surrounding it will be incredibly sensitive and it is important to avoid eating any tough foods that would cause any pain to your child. It is recommended that any foods your child eats during the day of the extraction should be foods that require little to no chewing. Soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs are ideal for your child during the 24 hours following the extraction. The affected tooth (or teeth) may also be sensitive to temperature, so be sure to give your child foods that are not too hot or too cold.

2 – 7 Days after Tooth Extraction

Use Ice Packs to Fight Swelling In the days following your child’s tooth extraction they may have swollen cheeks, and a great way to make their discomfort bearable is to use an ice pack! Using an ice pack every few hours would reduce the swelling and make your child’s experience much easier. Apply the ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time.

Incorporate a Saltwater Rinse

Cleaning out the affected area is essential to keeping your child’s oral hygiene as perfect and healthy as possible. After 24 hours after the procedure it is recommended to use a warm saltwater rinse to clean the affected area. Combining 8oz of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and having your child gently swish the mixture in their mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. The mixture of saltwater will clean the affected area in the child’s mouth and ease the child’s pain.

Encourage a “Hands Free” Policy

One of the most important rules we tell our patient’s parents/guardians after their child’s tooth extraction: do not touch the affected area after the treatment! This may cause germs to get into the affected area and will lead to additional visits to the dental office. Touching the affected area may also prolong the healing process and unwanted pain for your child.

Continue Brushing

Because your child’s mouth will be sensitive in the days following the procedure, many children will attempt to neglect brushing their teeth properly. However, it is essential to continue brushing the teeth properly, although more gentle than usual and avoiding the affected area in order to prevent any additional discomfort.

Does Your Child Need a Tooth Pulled?

At Advanced Dental Bronx – Children's Dentist, we know that having the adult teeth grow in properly is incredibly important to your child’s proper oral hygiene and their perfect smile. If you think your child may need to have a baby tooth extracted, please feel free to contact our office. Our team of specialists will be able to determine if an extraction procedure is right for your child! Our team strives to create the perfect treatment experience for your child, and we will ensure that you, the parent/guardian, is informed of every step of the process. We will aid you in navigating through the days following the procedure and helping your child have the best experience possible.