How to Care for Your Mouth After Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction, proper care is essential. Extraction is a surgical procedure, leaving an open wound that can be prone to bacterial infection or bleeding. To prevent complications, it’s important to follow the correct oral care routine after tooth removal. In this article, we’ll explain how to do it!

How Does Healing Occur?

After a tooth is removed, a socket remains. The tissues typically heal over 10–15 days, though this timeline can vary depending on the individual case. Here are the stages of healing to help you understand whether the process is normal:

1. First 3 hours: Bleeding occurs. A blood clot forms in the socket. Do not touch it, as it acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
2. First 2 days: It’s important for the blood clot to remain in the socket. It will thicken and shrink in size. New connective tissue will begin forming in the socket.
3. First week: The clot changes color, turning from red to whitish. New connective tissue completely covers the socket. Pain and swelling will subside.
4. 10 days: The clot dissolves. The socket reduces in size, and new bone tissue forms.
5. After 15 days: Healing is complete! The mucous membrane regains a healthy pink color.

If your healing process does not follow this timeline, don’t panic. Every body is different. Schedule a consultation so your dentist can examine the socket.

Immediate Oral Care After Tooth Extraction

How you act immediately after surgery greatly affects healing speed. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these steps:

1. Keep the cotton swab the dentist placed on the wound in place for 20 minutes.
2. Apply cold compresses for the first 3 hours to reduce swelling.
3. For 3 days, use antiseptic mouth baths (not rinses).
4. Brush the teeth on the side of the extraction gently.
5. Replace your toothbrush with a new one.
6. Drink only warm water.
7. Chew food on the side opposite the extraction area during the initial period.

Following these instructions will minimize the risk of complications after surgery.

What Not to Do After Tooth Extraction

Here’s a list of actions to avoid after a tooth extraction:

1. Do not take a hot bath; only a warm shower is allowed.
2. Do not sleep on the side where the tooth was extracted to prevent swelling.
3. Avoid swimming pools or saunas for the first 10 days.
4. Do not lift heavy objects or perform strenuous work, as this can cause bleeding.
5. Do not pick at the wound with your tongue, fingers, or other objects.
6. If stitches were placed, avoid wide mouth opening and excessive facial movements.
7. Do not take aspirin for pain relief—it thins the blood and may cause bleeding.
8. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously. Active rinsing can dislodge the blood clot, leading to inflammation and delayed healing.

After the surgery, your dentist will give you detailed instructions on what you can and cannot do. Following these guidelines will help your healing process proceed much faster.