As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle with discomfort and not be able to instantly fix it. Although they may have recently had a tooth extracted to alleviate pain, healing from this procedure can sometimes be challenging for kids, and parents too. Here are five tips for making their recovery easier and more comfortable, so they can have a strong, pain-free smile that much sooner!
Take it Easy
When you and your child arrive home from the pediatric dentist’s office following their tooth extraction, it’s important that they get plenty of rest. While it’s true that many little ones can be quite rambunctious, avoiding strenuous physical activity or rough play is imperative for the healing process. That’s because all that excess energy can get their blood pumping, diverting it away from their extraction site(s) and slowing their recovery. Thus, while it may be easier said than done, encourage them to rest, relax, or simply remain as calm and still as possible for at least 24 hours.
Gauze and Effect
When your child’s extraction is complete, their pediatric dentist will cover the site with gauze and instruct them to gently bite down on it to apply pressure. This will help alleviate some of the pain as well as slow the bleeding. It’s important that your child continues doing this for at least 45 minutes, or longer if they’d like. If the gauze becomes too saturated with saliva or blood, you can quickly change it out with a clean piece as needed.
Hands Free
Most kids are curious by nature, and as a result may want to touch or prod their extraction site or stitches. However, it is important that you discourage them from doing this, as it can increase bleeding and their risk of developing dry socket or infection. Thus, be sure to remind them to avoid touching the site(s) with their fingers or tongue, and when it comes time to brush and floss, be very careful around them!
Medication Matters
While not every child will need strong pain relievers following a tooth extraction, even OTC products can be extremely helpful at taking the edge off any discomfort. Be sure to stock up on any medications you might be low on before their procedure and ensure you know the correct dosage for their age and weight in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about this, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist for help.
Soft but Mighty
Finally, incision sites should start to feel better within about three days, but in the meantime your child may still experience some discomfort when they eat or drink. Thus, their pediatric dentist recommends sticking to a soft diet and avoiding any foods and beverages that are hot, spicy, or acidic, as these can cause increased sensitivity in the extraction site(s). Instead, try foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, bananas, and anything else with a mushy texture that doesn’t require a lot of chewing.
Remember, helping your child heal from a tooth extraction may be uncharted territory, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a challenge. With these tips, and the help of their pediatric dentist, they’ll once again have a healthy, happy, pain-free smile to show off!
About Dr. Brett
Dr. Lydia Brett earned her undergraduate degree at Florida State University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. She then returned to school following the birth of her third daughter to specialize in pediatric dentistry from the UTHealth Houston Pediatric Dental Residency. Today, she is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, just to name a few. To schedule a tooth extraction for your child at Wildflower Pediatric Dentistry, visit our website or call 832-409-3998.