Oral surgery - Care after Removal of Teeth (Children)

Introduction

This leaflet has been created for Parents/Carers of children who have had removal of teeth. Please read these instructions for the care of your childs mouth after tooth extraction or surgery and follow them carefully for their comfort.

What to do after your child has had teeth taken out:

• Do not disturb, with your finger or tongue, the area where the tooth has been taken out
• Pain relief should be given regularly every 4 to 6 hours as per dosage instructions. Simple paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given and is advised for 48 hours after the operation
• Eat a soft, smooth diet that is not too hot/cold. Avoid ice- cream/ice lollies in the first 48 hours as they can cause bleeding to start
• Ideally wait until the numb area has returned to normal before eating to avoid biting the soft tissues accidently
• Drinks should be room temperature (avoid hot drinks and very cold drinks)
• Your child should rest for 24 hours. Do not exercise or use wheeled bikes/scooters/skateboards or go out into the road/ garden unsupervised
• Do not rinse your mouth out or spit out for 24 hours. Encourage the child to swallow using plenty of drinks
• Smoking should be avoided

If it starts to bleed 

• It is normal for a little bleeding or oozing from the gums where the tooth has been extracted
• Keep calm: Sit upright, roll a clean damp cloth, handkerchief, flannel, or tea towel into a pad and encourage the child to bite down hard where the tooth was taken out for 15 minutes

If it feels sore/pain relief:

Children under 12 Years

Paracetamol medicine as per dose instructions for age can be given up to 4 times in 24 hours.
and/or
Ibuprofen medicine as per dose instructions for age can be given up to 3 times in 24 hours (with food at mealtimes).

Children over 12 years

Paracetamol tablets (500mg - 1000mg) can be taken instead of medicine if preferred. Check the dosage for the age/size of child no more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
and/or
Ibuprofen tablets as per dosage instructions (200mg). Check the dosage for the age/size of child no more than 3 doses in 24 hours (at mealtimes).

The next day 

• Brush your teeth as normal with a fluoride toothpaste. Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse
• Your child should be monitored at home by a responsible adult for 24 hours after the procedure is completed
• Your child may need to stay off school for a couple of days depending on how quickly they recover
• After meals encourage the child to rinse the mouth with warm salty water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after all food to help keep the area clean and encourage healing. If your child cannot tolerate salt – warm water will suffice to rinse food away
• Avoid smoking until the socket has healed

If you need any help or further advice: 

1. Please contact your own dentist in normal working hours.
2. Please contact NHS 111 which gives advice 24 hours a day.
3. Please contact Greater Manchester Urgent Care on 0333 332 3800 between the hours of 8am to 10pm, 7 Days a week.
4. Please contact your Local A&E for uncontrolled bleeding or on the advice of NHS 111.