After pulling a tooth, what can and should not be done?

If the dentist recommends that you do a tooth extraction procedure, don't panic yet. When a damaged tooth starts to interfere with oral health, following the doctor's instructions and following the after-tooth extraction can be the best decisions that affect the health of your teeth and mouth in the future.

In most cases, the pain after you have extracted your tooth will go away within a few days. But you still need to play it safe and follow all the care instructions, including the advice and precautions after removing a tooth in order to make a full recovery and prevent complications.

Then, what are the do's and don'ts during treatment after tooth extraction? How long will the healing process take? Come on, see the full review below.

Abstinence after pulling teeth

You will probably feel better after removing the damaged tooth. However, don't forget to pay attention to a few things after tooth extraction. Because, there are some things you shouldn't do after pulling your teeth.

Here are some taboos after removing a tooth so that the recovery process goes well.

Do not rinse your mouth within 24 hours after removing the tooth, spitting hard, or poking / touching the area where the tooth was extracted with your tongue or other object.
Avoid drinking or alcohol within 24 hours after pulling a tooth. Alcohol can trigger bleeding and delay healing.
Avoid hot or spicy foods and drinks until the numb sensation subsides. You can't feel the pain when you are numb and it can burn your mouth.
Avoid using a straw when drinking. Quoted from Mayo Clinic , the slurping motion that presses against the inside of the mouth can break up blood clots, causing a named condition dry socket (alveolar osteitis) which is quite painful.
Don't bite your cheek, on purpose or not.
Don't snort or blow your nose. The pressure can shift or break the blood clot. If you have a cold or allergies, use the right medicine to treat it.
Avoid smoking within 24 hours or a few days after tooth extraction. Smoking can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of bleeding, thereby slowing down the recovery process. The movement of smoking cigarettes can also deflate blood clots.
Avoid exercise for 3-4 days after tooth extraction. Postoperative exercise and other strenuous physical activity can increase bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.

The activities you should do after pulling your teeth are sitting and resting. But, try not to lie on your back. Support your head with a pillow to avoid bleeding.

Prompt after tooth extraction

The tooth extraction procedure doesn't just stop after you leave the practice. There are several post-tooth extraction treatments that you need to do at home to help the recovery process faster, so you can do your normal activities as before.

Here are some suggestions you need to do when you return home after having a tooth extraction procedure.

Take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or a combination drug containing codeine and avoid using aspirin. Take the medicine immediately after pulling the tooth, don't wait for the pain to appear first. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire dose as directed.
To help reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress or ice to the side of the sore cheek for 10-20 minutes.
Change the gauze before it gets soaked with blood, although bleeding after pulling the tooth shouldn't be too severe. If there is a pool of blood, it means that your gauze is just stuck between your teeth instead of pressing on the area of the surgical wound. Try repositioning the gauze.
If bleeding continues or starts again, sit up straight or lean back with your head supported, stop physical activity, apply an ice pack or bite the gauze for 1 hour or a wet tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in tea leaves helps speed up blood clotting.
After 24 hours, you can gargle especially after every meal. Gently rinse your mouth using a salt water solution (1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup warm water) several times a day to reduce swelling and pain. Avoid gargling too hard, as this can loosen blood clots and delay healing.
After you've pulled your tooth out, you can brush your teeth slowly. Be careful not to deflate the blood clots when brushing near the tooth extraction site for the next 3-4 days. We recommend that you use a type of toothbrush with soft bristles, first wet with warm water so that the bristles of the toothbrush are softer.
Eat only lukewarm and soft foods / drinks for the next day or two. For example, pudding, soup, yogurt, milkshake fruit, smoothie , mashed potatoes, and others. Vitamin C supplements can also aid recovery.
Ask your dentist if he provides chlorine dioxide gel. This gel is the best healing therapy for after tooth extraction.

How long does it take to heal after removing a tooth?

Quoted from National Health Service , the healing process after tooth extraction lasts up to two weeks. During recovery, you may experience swollen gums, pain, jaw stiffness, and discomfort in the mouth, especially around the area where the tooth was extracted. The side effects of tooth extraction are quite reasonable.

However, it should be noted if signs and symptoms arise that make you feel uncomfortable, including: