My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
-
General Dentistry: Taking Care Of Your Oral Health 7 February 2024
-
When Should You See a Dentist for a Tooth Extraction? 4 December 2023
-
How a Dentist Can Help If You Have a Toothache 14 November 2023
A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
5 Ways To Manage Post-Operative Pain After Dental Extractions
Bella Snyder
Dentists administer one or two types of anesthesia during dental extractions to eliminate pain during the procedure. While the extraction itself may be painless, pain is one of the common post-surgery effects you may experience.
Here are some great tips to help you manage post-surgical pain following dental extractions.
1. Pain Medication
Your oral surgeon may send you home with a pack of over-the-counter pain-relieving meds. The dentist may prescribe a more powerful pain medication if the extraction was complex or the procedure also required surgery of the jawbone and gums. The medication will help manage the discomfort and relieve the pain you may experience for a few days after dental extractions.
2. Rest Easy
One of the most important things you can do for yourself after a dental extraction is to rest. Prop your head with a pillow to keep it elevated whenever you lie down. Take at least a day or two to rest after the procedure before returning to your routine.
3. Apply Ice
Holding ice wrapped in a towel to your face can help to prevent or reduce swelling around the dental extractions sites. This self-care technique works perfectly and is great for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
4. Rinse with Saltwater
A day after the dental extractions procedure, you can start rinsing your mouth with saltwater. Half a tablespoon of salt mixed into a cup of warm water should be enough for one rinse. Remember to use warm water, not hot, and also be gentle about it so you don't disturb the blood clots in the socket. Loosening or dislodging the blood clot may lead to dry socket, which may cause severe pain for at least a few days.
The saltwater not only helps to ease your pain, but it also cleanses the extraction site and prevents infections.
5. Watch What You Eat
Avoid chewy foods the first few days after your tooth extraction procedure. These foods may irritate the extraction site, worsening the sensitivity and pain you may feel after the procedure. Instead, stick to soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, and soups. Also, be sure to drink plenty of fluids during this recovery period. You can slowly progress into more solid foods as you feel better before finally returning to your regular diet.
With some medications and proper aftercare, you can manage post-surgical pain after dental extractions on your own. The pain is usually manageable, so if you feel intense pain after the procedure, call or visit the dentist for further investigation.
Contact your dentist to learn more.
Share