When your little one visits the dentist for their bi-annual checkup, tooth extraction may be recommended when baby teeth are overcrowding and need to make way for adult ones or if adult teeth have signs of damage and decay that cannot be salvaged. After a tooth extraction procedure, consider embracing the dental care tips below to promote a quick and easy recovery.

4 Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips for Kids

1. Promote General Relaxation

On the day of their tooth extraction appointment, let your child take the day off of school. When they get home, encourage a day and night of relaxation and rest, whether that means napping in bed or spending time watching movies on the couch. Discourage playing sports, running around, or sipping through a straw that can disrupt healing.

2. Stick to a Soft Diet

The tooth socket and area around the extraction point will be sensitive and may be inflamed or irritated for a few days. To reduce discomfort, embrace a diet of soft foods for at least 48 hours. This diet can include soup, mashed potatoes, and other kid favorites, such as apple sauce, yogurt, pancakes, and smoothies.

3. Maintain Oral Hygiene Routine

While it may be tempting for your child to skip brushing and flossing due to mild discomfort or swelling, keeping their mouth clean and free of harmful bacteria is vital. Thus, make sure your child continues to brush and floss twice a day as they recover.

4. Use Ice Packs & Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

If swelling occurs as a result of tooth extraction, provide your child with ice packs to soothe the area. Should your child have trouble sleeping and eating due to general discomfort, speak with your dentist about how much over-the-counter pain medication it’s safe to administer.

Is your little one experiencing a toothache? If so, Enterprise Dental Associates can provide immediate dental care to determine whether your child needs a filling, tooth extraction, or gum disease treatment to restore their oral health. With over 37 years of experience serving families throughout the Enterprise and Fort Rucker areas of Alabama, you can trust Dr. Logan Turner and Dr. Larry Howell to provide exemplary service to ensure healthy, beautiful smiles. To schedule a teeth cleaning, call today at (334) 347-9564. For more information on this dentist, visit their practice online.