After a tooth extraction, it's crucial to take proper care and choose suitable foods to ensure quick healing of the wound and reduce the risk of infection. The following article from Champion Dental provides advice on how to care for the extraction site, including what to eat and what to avoid post-extraction.

Foods to Eat After a Tooth Extraction

After the extraction, it's advisable to consume soft, easily swallowable foods that don't require much chewing, thus minimizing jaw movement and preventing injury to the wound. Some suitable food options include:

• Porridge, soup: These are soft, easy-to-digest foods that provide sufficient energy and nutrients for the body.
• Leafy greens, fruits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, these help boost immunity and aid in the healing process.
• Milk and dairy products: Milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese are rich in calcium, which strengthens bones.
• High-protein foods: Proteins are essential for tissue regeneration. High-protein foods include lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes.

Foods to Avoid After a Tooth Extraction

Besides consuming soft and easy-to-swallow foods, you should also avoid certain types of food to prevent injury to the wound and delay healing:

• Hard, tough, crispy foods: These can injure the wound, causing bleeding or swelling.
• Spicy and hot foods: Spicy foods can irritate the wound, leading to increased pain.
• Carbonated drinks, sodas: These can increase pressure in the oral cavity, causing bleeding at the wound site.
• Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can increase the risk of infection at the wound site.

Guidelines for Oral Care After Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction, the wound needs time to heal, and oral care must be attentive to avoid injuring the wound and facilitate quick healing.

Brushing Teeth Properly

After extraction, you should start brushing your teeth gently using a soft-bristled, small-headed toothbrush from 24 to 48 hours post-extraction. However, avoid brushing directly on the wound, focusing only on the remaining teeth.

Brushing helps remove plaque and leftover food, preventing bacterial growth and infection. But, it's important to brush gently to avoid harming the wound.

Regular Mouth Rinsing

You can rinse your mouth with diluted salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash after extraction. Rinsing helps clean the oral cavity and prevent infection.

Using Dental Floss

You can use dental floss to remove food particles between teeth after extraction. However, be careful to avoid touching the wound.

Taking Prescribed Medication

Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers after extraction. Follow the doctor's prescription to speed up healing and minimize infection risk. Do not self-prescribe painkillers as they may have unwanted side effects.

Cold or Warm Compress

Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek near the extraction site to reduce swelling and pain. Apply a warm compress in the following days to help dissolve any blood clots and promote recovery.

>> See more: The Importance of Oral Health and Effective Care Methods

Potential Post-Extraction Reactions

After extraction, you may experience some reactions, which are normal during recovery. However, symptoms can vary depending on individual health and the extraction process.

• Pain: Pain is common after the anesthetic wears off, and its intensity varies. Take pain medication as directed by your doctor if the pain is significant. Modern extraction techniques and skilled dentists can minimize pain.
• Bleeding: Light bleeding may occur for a few hours after extraction. If needed, replace cotton gauze to stop the bleeding until it ceases.
• Swelling: Swelling is a natural reaction and varies from person to person. It's usually more noticeable on the second or third day post-extraction.
• Fever: A slight fever of around 38-39.5 degrees Celsius may occur after extraction. It's not a concern if the fever is temporary and short-lived.

If you experience prolonged high fever, dry socket, delayed wound healing, infection at the extraction site, or pus formation, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Careful post-extraction care ensures quick wound healing, typically within 1 – 2 weeks. Afterwards, you can gradually return to your normal diet and activities. Remember, if you notice any unusual symptoms like prolonged pain or increased swelling after extraction, contact your dentist promptly for advice and support.

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