BLEEDING
- A small amount of oozing or pink saliva is normal for the first few hours.
- Keep the gauze in place with gentle pressure for 20–30 minutes as directed.
- If minor bleeding continues, place a clean piece of gauze over the area and have your child bite gently.
- Contact our office if bleeding is heavy or does not stop.
EATING & DRINKING
- Encourage plenty of fluids.
- Offer soft foods for the remainder of the day.
- Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, or sticky foods for 24 hours.
COMFORT
- Mild soreness is normal after an extraction.
- If needed, give children's acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®/Advil®) as directed.
- A cold compress on the outside of the face may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
NUMBNESS
- Lips, cheeks, and tongue may remain numb for several hours.
- Closely supervise your child to prevent lip, cheek, or tongue biting.
- Avoid chewing until numbness has completely worn off.
ORAL CARE
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or swishing vigorously today.
- Continue brushing and flossing normally, avoiding the extraction site today.
- Beginning tomorrow, gentle brushing around the area is encouraged.
- Keep the area clean to promote healing.
CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOUR CHILD HAS
- Excessive bleeding
- Increasing swelling after 48 hours
- Fever
- Severe pain not relieved by recommended medication
Healthy healing today helps create healthy smiles for a lifetime!