Even with the best preventive efforts and diligent hygiene routines, many people will require a tooth extraction at some point in their life. While commonly used to remove wisdom teeth, this procedure can also treat crowded teeth, or those that are decayed beyond repair. If you require such treatment, it’s important to understand what to do in the days afterward. Thankfully, Amison Dental Group in Canton, OH, is happy to lend their insight. These family dentistry specialists have even put together the following guide to explain proper aftercare practices.

3 Tips to Help You Recover from a Tooth Extraction

1. Rest

It’s important to rest and maintain a level of activity that will help your mouth heal. You shouldn’t exercise, for example, because an increased heart rate could result in increased bleeding. You’ll also want to prevent the clot from becoming damaged by moving your mouth too much. That’s why you should stick to a liquid or soft food diet for the first couple of days, and try not to rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

2. Keep It Clean

The next step is to make sure you can control the bleeding and prevent the area from becoming dirty. While you shouldn’t brush the clotted area for three to four days, you can still wipe it gently with a wet gauze pad. Additionally, your dentist should provide a small packet of gauze for you to bring home. You should use this to help control the bleeding by changing the dressing every half an hour or so and applying pressure.

3. Don’t Irritate the Area

Finally, it’s important not to provoke problems by irritating the extraction site. If you want it to heal well, avoid anything that may traumatize it. To this end, don’t poke it, drink through a straw, or blow your nose, as these can cause pressure changes that may dislodge the blood clot.

It’s not always easy to undergo a tooth extraction. That’s why the family dentistry professionals at Amison Dental Group are happy to ease your worries and provide the appropriate guidance. If you have any further questions about this procedure, call them at (330) 452-2255 or visit them online.