What to avoid after tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that typically proceeds if the tooth has become severely infected and needs to be removed in order to save your oral health. Although it might seem like after-care for an extracted tooth is simple, there are some things you should avoid doing so that your healing process goes as smoothly as possible. If neglected this can lead to further complications damaging healthy teeth.

When is a tooth extraction required?

There are a few reasons your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. If your tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may need to be removed.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may need to remove one or more teeth.
Lastly, wisdom teeth are often extracted because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to come in properly.

How do I know if I need a tooth extraction?

Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and take x-rays to determine if you need a tooth extraction. If there is serious damage to the teeth due to a cavity or if the gums are infected and need surgery, the dentist suggests tooth extraction.

In most cases, this procedure is conducted for a single tooth that is totally damaged due to a cavity. However, in some exceptional cases when the gums are damaged and need surgery all the teeth need to be removed. They are replaced with customized dentures after a proper dental procedure.

What foods to avoid after tooth extraction?

When you have a tooth pulled, it’s essential to take care of the area where the tooth was so that you can heal properly. This means avoiding certain foods that can irritate the area or cause pain.

Some examples of foods to avoid after tooth extraction are:

crunchy foods like chips or popcorn
hard candy or gum
chewy candy like taffy or caramels
very hot or icy food and drinks
sticky foods like caramel or gum

Tooth extraction aftercare

After having a tooth extracted, it is important to take care of the wound. The following are some things you should avoid after having a tooth extracted:

-Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

-Drinking through a straw: Drinking through a straw can cause the formation of a dry socket.

-Eating hard or crunchy foods: Eating hard or crunchy foods can cause the formation of a dry socket.

-Blowing your nose: Blowing your nose can cause bleeding.

Wrap Up

After having a tooth extracted, it’s important to avoid certain activities in order to promote healing and avoid complications. These include smoking, using straws, drinking alcohol, and eating hard or crunchy foods.

It’s also important to take care of the extraction site by gently rinsing with salt water and avoiding poking or prodding it with your tongue or fingers. If you have any pain or swelling, contact your dentist. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a speedy and complication-free recovery after tooth extraction.