How to Heal Gums After Tooth Extraction

After the tooth is extracted, it will leave a wound in the gums and alveolar bone. Without proper care, the wound can lead to serious and painful complications. Knowing how to take precautions before and after a tooth extraction will help keep the healing process going.

Table of Contents

Taking care of gums after tooth extraction

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Bite firmly on the gauze. After your tooth is extracted, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the wound to stop the bleeding. Be sure to bite down on the gauze to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is still heavy, you may need to adjust the gauze to the correct position of the wound. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Do not talk, as this may cause the gauze to loosen, slowing the formation of blood clots.
If the gauze starts to get wet, you can change it to another one; however do not change more than necessary, and do not spit, as this interferes with blood clotting.
Do not use your tongue or fingers to touch the newly extracted tooth, and avoid blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing at this time. Increased pressure can cause the wound to bleed again. Avoid placing your hand on the extraction site so that the affected area does not warm up.
Remove the gauze after 30-45 minutes and look in the mirror to check if the wound is still bleeding.

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Take pain relievers. Only take pain relievers prescribed by your dentist. If your dentist doesn’t prescribe pain medication, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Take antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Take your first dose of pain reliever as soon as possible, before the anesthetic wears off. It is best to take the correct dose of pain relievers and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

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Use an ice pack. Apply an ice pack to your face, outside where the tooth was extracted. Ice helps to stop bleeding and reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes, then take a 30-minute break. Always remember to wrap a towel or cloth over the ice pack, do not place the ice directly on the skin. You can apply ice for the first 24-48 hours after tooth extraction. After 48 hours, the swelling will decrease and ice is no longer effective for pain relief. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You can use a zippered plastic bag for crushed ice or ice cubes if you don’t have an ice pack.
Avoid placing your hand on the extraction site, as you will heat the affected area.

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Use tea bags. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps to form blood clots by constricting blood vessels. Tea bags can help stop bleeding. If you notice bleeding up to an hour after the extraction, place a damp tea bag over the extraction site and bite down to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold it for about 20-30 minutes. Drinking cold tea can also help, but placing the tea bag directly on the wound will have better results. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Gargle with warm salt water. Gargle the morning after the tooth extraction. You can make warm salt water by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse slowly and gently so as not to create pressure. Just swing your tongue back and forth from side to side several times, then gently spit out the salt water to avoid touching the clot. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Gargle with salt water 4-5 times a day for several days after tooth extraction, especially after eating and before going to bed.

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Rest much. Getting enough rest will help stabilize blood pressure, facilitate blood clotting, and heal gums. Do not engage in any physical activity for at least 24 hours after the extraction, and keep your head slightly elevated when lying down to ensure that blood or saliva does not cause choking. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Try resting your head on two pillows, and at the same time do not lie on the side of the extracted tooth so that the blood does not stagnate due to the increase in temperature.
Do not bend over or lift heavy objects.
Always sit in an upright position.

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Brush one’s teeth. 24 hours after tooth extraction, you should gently brush your teeth and tongue, but do not bring the brush close to the site of the extracted tooth . Instead, rinse your mouth with salt water gently as described above to avoid damaging the blood clot. Do this for the next 3-4 days. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

You can continue to floss and rinse as usual, but avoid flossing near the extraction site. Use an antibacterial mouthwash or mouthwash prescribed by your dentist to kill bacteria and prevent infection.

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Use chlorhexidine gel. You can apply chlorhexidine gel to the wound the day after the tooth extraction to help the wound heal faster. This can also prevent bacteria from getting close to the wound, and help reduce pain and discomfort. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Do not apply the gel directly to the socket of the extracted tooth. Apply only to the gums around the extracted tooth.

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Apply warm compresses after 24-48 hours. This will help increase blood circulation, speed up the healing process, reduce swelling and ease discomfort. 36 hours after tooth extraction, apply a warm and wet towel to your face, outside the affected area in batches with 20 minutes of application, 20 minutes of rest. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Pay attention to your diet. You need to wait for the anesthetic to wear off before trying to eat. Start with soft foods, chewing on the side of healthy teeth. You may also want to eat something cold and soft, such as ice cream, to soothe pain and provide nutrients. Avoid hard, crunchy or hot foods; Avoid using a straw as it can dislodge blood clots from the gums. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Eat regularly and do not skip meals.
Eat cold or cold foods, never warm or hot foods.
Eat soft and slightly cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, puddings, jellies, yogurt, and soups. These foods are great, especially right after a tooth extraction, as they help ease discomfort after the extraction procedure. Make sure not to eat foods that are too cold or hard, and do not chew on the side of the jaw where the tooth has been extracted. Foods that must be chewed hard (such as cereals, nuts, popcorn, etc.) can cause pain and difficulty eating, and even further injure the wound. Gradually shift your diet from liquid foods to solid foods and finally solid foods after a few days.
Avoid using a straw. Drinking through a straw creates suction in the mouth, which can lead to bleeding. Sip or sip with a spoon to avoid this problem.
Avoid spicy, sticky foods, hot drinks, products containing caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks.
Avoid smoking/alcohol for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction.

Understanding the recovery process after tooth extraction

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Know that there is swelling. The gums and mouth will be swollen in response to the extraction, and perhaps painful. This is normal and should subside after 2-3 days. During that time, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek to soothe pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Know that there is bleeding. After tooth extraction, there will be a lot of blood flowing from the tiny blood vessels inside the gums and bones. The bleeding won’t be massive or excessive, but in some cases, the dentist may stitch the wound to help it heal. Then the surgical gauze will be placed between the teeth without placing directly on the wound. Ask the surgeon and adjust the gauze if necessary. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Do not touch the blood clot. Blood clots will form in the first 1-2 days, and it is extremely important that you do not touch or remove them. Blood clotting is an essential first step in the recovery process, and touching or removing a clot can slow healing, even cause infection and pain. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Know that epithelial cells will form. In the next 10 days, cells in the gums will multiply rapidly and form an epithelial layer to fill the space of the extracted tooth. It is important not to interfere with this process while the wound is healing. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Know about bone deposition. After the epithelial layer is formed, the osteoblasts in the bone marrow are stimulated. This process usually begins along the lateral wall of the extracted socket and gradually progresses to the middle. ^{[15] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source} The extracted tooth space will be completely sealed. The process of bone deposition that closes the cavity can take up to a year, but the gums will cover the cavity in just two weeks, and you have nothing to worry about as it will completely heal.

Take care of gums before tooth extraction

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Tell your oral surgeon about your previous condition. You should also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. These things can complicate surgery and cause problems during or after surgery.

Diabetics after dental treatment often take longer to heal because bleeding takes longer. You’ll need to maintain near-normal blood sugar levels to help heal faster after tooth extraction, and let your doctor know about your diabetes and recent blood sugar test results. Your dentist will determine if your blood sugar level is safe for extraction. ^{[16] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}
Patients with high blood pressure should be aware that some blood pressure medications can cause gums to bleed. Complications can occur if you do not stop taking the medicine before the surgery. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking or have recently taken. ^{[17] X Research Source}
Patients who are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin should tell their doctor before having a tooth extracted, as these drugs interfere with blood clotting. ^{[18] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Patients who are taking oral contraceptives containing estrogen may experience blood clotting complications. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills. ^{[19] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Some medications used for a long time will dry out the mouth, leading to infection after tooth extraction. You need to talk to your doctor before surgery. Also, consult your doctor before changing the type or dose of medication you are taking.

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Understand that smoking can be troublesome. Smoking is a factor in gum disease. ^{[20] X Research Sources} Furthermore, movement while smoking can dislodge blood clots that are essential for gum healing. Tobacco can also irritate sensitive wounds and hinder the healing process. ^{[21] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

If you are a smoker, think about quitting before having your teeth pulled.
If you are not planning to quit smoking, you should note that the patient should not smoke for at least 48 hours after surgery. Patients who have a habit of chewing or “stuffing” tobacco should not use tobacco for at least 7 days. ^{[22] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Consult a general practitioner. Informing your general practitioner about surgery prior to tooth extraction can help you avoid potential problems caused by medications you’re taking or your medical condition if you have one.

Warning

If you feel unusual pain after a week of tooth extraction, see your dentist.
Do not drink coffee for at least 6 hours after tooth extraction, as coffee can reduce the effect of the anesthetic.
If the pain increases after 2 days, you need to see the dentist immediately. This pain can be a sign of a dry socket.
Light bleeding and discoloration of saliva will occur during the first 12-24 hours after tooth extraction. If bleeding is heavy and does not stop for 3-4 hours after surgery, you need to see a dentist immediately. ^{[23] X Research Sources}
If you notice sharp pieces of bone, called bone sequestra, left behind after surgery, you should tell your dentist. Bone regrowth is normal, but broken pieces of dead bone after surgery can be painful, and you’ll need to have them removed. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon if you suspect dead bone fragments are left behind after a tooth has been extracted. ^{[24] X Research Sources}

Steps

Taking care of gums after tooth extraction

Understanding the recovery process after tooth extraction

Take care of gums before tooth extraction

Warning

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