How to Care for a Tooth After Extraction

After having a tooth extracted, it is important to take care of your mouth. Expect to experience some pain, swelling and possibly even bleeding for a day or two after the procedure. Taking medication and proper care can reduce all of the above and get you back to your daily routine faster. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Take all prescription or non-prescription pain killers your dentist prescribes. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic. Take it to either clear up an infection you already have or prevent the extraction area from becoming infected.

• 2

  Relax when you get home. Physical activity can cause bleeding in the extraction area. It is important to avoid disturbing the extracted area at all.

• 3

  Make a salt water mix of 1 tsp. salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water. Use this to rinse your mouth several times a day. The salt water mixture reduces swelling and pain if used the first few days.

• 4

  Keep brushing your teeth and tongue after the tooth is pulled, brushing very softly in the area of the extraction.