Post-operative mouth care for children following dental extractions

Introduction

This leaflet provides information on how to look after your child’s mouth after they have had dental extractions.

After treatment

After surgery your child’s mouth will be numb for some time. Therefore, they should avoid hot drinks and food until the anaesthetic has worn off.

Keeping your mouth clean

It is important to keep your child’s mouth clean. On the first night after surgery their teeth should be brushed as normal but avoid the operation site. It is advisable to avoid rinsing for 36 hours post-surgery as this may dislodge the healing clot and make the wound bleed. After 36 hours, they can rinse using a salt-water mouthwash, which you can make by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water.

Food and drinks

Your child should avoid eating whilst the area is still numb as they could accidently chew their cheek, lip or tongue. Too hot a drink could also cause them to burn their mouth accidentally. They should only eat only soft foods until they can chew comfortably. They need to be careful when they start eating hard and sharp foods such as nuts and crisps as these might cause bleeding and discomfort.

Activity

Dental surgery is a minor operation. But your child should take things easy for the first few hours after their surgery. We may advise taking some time off school if the surgery was particularly difficult. If your child has had a general anaesthetic they will not fully recover for 24 and should be kept from school for this time. If your child has been treated with inhalation sedation they may need the rest of the day to fully recover and will usually be fine for school the next day.

Stitches

If your child has stitches, they will be ‘dissolvable’ and should disappear on their own. This can take up to 21 days. If you are unsure or concerned, contact us for advice. It is important to keep the stitches clean, so gently brush stitches with a toothbrush when brushing teeth.

Pain

Dental operations can be painful however careful your surgeon has been. The pain usually lasts 1-2 days after surgery. It is recommended that your child takes their usual pain relief medication. Ideally start giving them pain medication before their local anaesthetic is wearing off. Do not wait for the pain to be at a high level before starting medication. The pain should gradually ease but if things aren’t getting better please contact us.

Bruising and Swelling

Your child may get some bruising on their face and neck following dental extractions. Do not worry. This is quite normal and soon goes away. Your child’s face may swell during the first two days after certain operations. It may take about five days to return to normal.

If your child is not improving, especially if any swelling is “hard and hot” please contact us.

Bleeding

Your child may experience some bleeding in their mouth even if they have stitches. Do not be alarmed. You may notice their saliva is blood stained for a day or two afterwards. If your child is bleeding a lot they should bite down hard, for up to 20 minutes, on the swab/gauze you were given. A rolled up clean linen handkerchief (not tissue) could also be used. They should sit quietly whilst this is done. If the bleeding does not stop, you should contact us. If you are really worried go to your local emergency department.

Infection

It is uncommon to get an infection, particularly if good oral hygiene is maintained after surgery.

If you are worried about infection, the signs would be:

• raised temperature
• nasty discharge or taste in the mouth
• increased pain and severe swelling around the operation site

If your child experiences any of these, it is important to contact us.

Further information

If you are worried about your child’s condition, contact the Cleft Team on 01223 596 272