Avoid rinsing your mouth out for the first 6 hours
If you rinse your mouth you will wash away the blood clot and you may start bleeding again.
If you do start bleeding again, fold a clean hankie or tissue into a sausage shape and bite firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Keep your mouth as clean as possible
Gently rinse your mouth after every meal with hot salt mouthwashes (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water).
Brush the other teeth twice a day as normal, taking care to be gentle around the socket area.
Do not smoke for at least 48 hours
The chemicals in cigarette smoke cause severe pain and infection in the socket.
Do not drink alchohol for at least 48 hours
Alcohol thins your blood making you more likely to start bleeding again.
Try to eat on the opposite side from the extraction socket to avoid disturbing the blood clot.
Avoid eating hot food & drinks, spicy foods and hard or chewy foods.
Allow your food to cool down before eating.
Avoid strenuous exercise and activity and drink plenty of fluids.
If you feel small pieces of bone working their way out of the socket, don’t worry, this is normal
If you are experiencing discomfort or tenderness following the extraction you may find it helpful to take a painkiller:
Either: Paracetamol, four times daily (breakfast, lunch, dinnertime, bedtime)
Or: Ibuprofen, three times daily (11am, 3pm, 8pm)
If the discomfort is severe you can take both Paracetamol and Ibuprofen as directed above.
Do not take ibuprofen if you suffer from stomach problems or asthma.
It will normally take about 2 weeks for the mouth to heal.
If you are concerned about your mouth or have any further questions, please call (01475) 741186 during surgery hours and ask to speak to a Dental Nurse