For the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, DO NOT use straws, smoke, rinse/spit vigorously, drink alcohol, eat hot/crunchy/spicy foods, or do strenuous activity, as these actions can dislodge the crucial blood clot, leading to painful dry socket and delayed healing. Avoid touching the site and gently manage bleeding with gauze instead of rinsing or spitting.
To help prevent a "dry socket," do not smoke, rinse, spit, or brush for 24 hours. 24 hours after surgery, begin brushing teeth and start rinsing with warm salt water.
Initially, the focus is on allowing the blood clot to form and stabilize in the extraction site, which is crucial for proper healing. During the first 24 to 48 hours, it's essential to avoid any solid foods that could dislodge the clot and lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
In most cases, walking and light physical activity is encouraged after the first day. This will also help with swelling and help get patients back into their normal routines. Depending on the procedure, patients should avoid vigorous physical activity for 3-5 days.
Chewy and hard foods can become lodged within the extraction sites and impact the healing process. It is also best to avoid chewing on the side of the extraction. Blowing your nose or sneezing can lead to an increase of pressure within the oral cavity, which can disrupt the blood clot.
Pain usually peaks between 24–48 hours after the procedure. Swelling and tenderness are most noticeable on the second day. Proper pain management can ease discomfort significantly. Complications like dry socket can cause severe pain after day 3.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Activities after surgery should be couch or bed rest for the first day. Bending, lifting, or strenuous activity will cause increased bleeding, swelling, or other problems. You should be careful going from the lying down position to standing. You could get light-headed when you stand up suddenly.
If you exercise too soon after your extraction, the increased blood flow can dislodge the clot, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Day after surgery
Water, lukewarm tea, and milk are safe to drink immediately after tooth extraction. Smoothies and protein shakes can be added to your diet after 24 hours. Avoid hot, alcoholic, acidic, and carbonated drinks for several days post-extraction.
To swallow without risking dry socket, follow these steps: Take Small Sips: Instead of gulping large amounts of liquid at once, take small, controlled sips. This reduces the risk of dislodging the blood clot and keeps the extraction site protected.
Your sleeping position during the first night after tooth extraction can make the difference between waking up feeling better or dealing with increased swelling and discomfort. The golden rule is simple: keep your head higher than your heart.
10 Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
If your gums are sore or inflamed, you can use a salt water rinse for a few days to a week. If symptoms don't improve or get worse during that time, it's important to consult a dentist to identify the underlying cause.
The healing process of tooth extraction usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and how well you care for the site. In the first 24 hours, a blood clot forms to protect the socket, followed by gradual reduction in swelling and discomfort over the next few days.
Tip #1: Salt Water Rinse
After a tooth has been removed, it is possible for small particles of food to be lodged in the socket. We recommend a gentle salt water rinse to clean the area that is healing and prevent food from getting caught. The salt water promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Strenuous physical activities can increase blood pressure and lead to bleeding at the extraction site. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and other strenuous activities for at least 48 to 72 hours post-extraction.
The First Few Days Are the Highest Risk
Most cases of dry socket occur within 2–3 days after surgery, making this period the most critical for careful aftercare. Once past the three-day mark without sharp, worsening pain, your chances of developing dry socket drop significantly.
What are the red flags after tooth extraction? Red flags include increasing pain, excessive swelling, fever, pus or discharge, persistent bad breath, and difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing. These could indicate an infection or other complications requiring immediate dental attention.
To prevent dry sockets, avoid sleeping on your side and refrain from sucking on straws. Keeping your head elevated and gently rinsing your mouth as directed by your dentist can also help.
The good news is that showering is perfectly safe and even a good move during recovery post extraction of teeth. Unlike some procedures, showering does not interfere with healing and can actually be quite soothing after surgery. Just keep the water lukewarm to avoid irritation, and skip the hot tub for now.
Not caring for your teeth well or thoroughly enough can cause symptoms that include: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) Tooth sensitivity. Gums that bleed after brushing.
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
When your mouth is closed in a resting position, your upper and lower teeth should gently touch each other. Ideally, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, ensuring a harmonious bite.