Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt with one cup of warm water. Stir it well to mix. Avoid swishing the saltwater rinse in your mouth or spitting it out. Gently move your head to move the rinse around your mouth or use your tongue to help move the saline solution around. After rinsing, lean over the sink and open your mouth to let the rinse fall out. Don’t spit. Your doctor may also give you chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex, Periogard) to rinse with. This is a germicidal mouthwash that helps kill bacteria. Try diluting it with water at a 1:1 ratio to avoid any possible negative effects of the chlorhexidine. [4] X Research source
Avoid brushing the area where the tooth was removed for at least 8 hours. [6] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in eight ounces of water. Stir completely, so that the salt is well-dissolved in the water.
Even if you feel like something is caught in your mouth, avoid swishing water very forcefully, as it can disturb the healing process. It’s crucial to keep the blood clot in place for your gums and bone to heal again, and when you put a lot of pressure in your mouth from swishing and spitting, it can disrupt the blood clot. [9] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
Fill the syringe with lukewarm water. You may also use the saltwater solution described above. Aim the tip of the syringe as close as possible to the site of your wound without actually touching it. Flush the site of the wound from any necessary angles to thoroughly clean the wound and prevent infection. Do not push too forcefully — expelling a powerful jet of water directly into the socket could be harmful.
Opt for softer foods like pasta and soup, but keep in mind that small foods, like rice, can get caught in the hole from the extraction, which can irritate your gums. [15] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Chew on the opposite side or your mouth from the extraction site. [16] X Expert Source Alina Lane, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Avoid eating foods that are too hot or cold foods. Go for room temperature foods during the first two days.
Excessive bleeding (more than a slow ooze) Pus in the wound Difficulty swallowing/breathing Fever Swelling that increases after two or three days Blood or pus in nasal mucus Throbbing, dull pain after the first 48 hours Bad breath after three days Pain that is not reduced after taking painkillers
