Helpful Tips To Prevent Tooth Extraction Infection

When your dentist recommends tooth removal, he intends to save the neighbouring teeth from being compromised. Any type of dental work such as tooth extraction makes your body vulnerable to infection. Tooth extraction infection mostly occurs when bacteria enter the body and begin to multiply in the mouth. Infections, if left undetected or untreated, may lead to swelling and pain. 

Signs of infection

The last teeth to grow in for any adult are the third molars or commonly known as wisdom teeth. Around ages 17 and 25, they start to come out and signifies the patient is no longer a teen. These bites erupt at the far back area of the mouth and could get in a bit of a tight position. 

Usually, it becomes trapped in between an existing tooth and the gums. Because of the difficulty of its spot, it’s easy to miss cleaning the area as brush or floss won’t be able to reach it. This results in bacteria buildup and decay. 

Soon, the decay will cause irreversible problems as it’s left undetected or untreated. This is the main reason why a dentist would opt for wisdom tooth extraction. After the teeth surgery, it’s normal to experience discomfort as the anesthesia and pain reliever wears off. 

However, it could also be a sign of a developing infection.

If you experience these symptoms after wisdom teeth removal, be quick to seek your emergency dentist: 

• Non-stop bleeding 24 hours after the surgery
• Persisting pain that doesn’t go away with pain medication
• Discharge or oozing pus
• The swell in the face, gums, or jaws is getting worse
• Having difficulty moving or opening mouth
• Fever 

Follow these tooth extraction aftercare tips in order to prevent any type of infection. 

Tips to avoid tooth extraction infection

Brush gently

As instructed by your dentist, refrain from brushing your teeth within 24 hours following dental extraction. After 24 hours have elapsed, you need to gently brush your teeth after meals. Yet you need to avoid brushing the extraction site in the next three days. Also, you need to avoid rinsing and spitting hard while brushing. These prevent dislodging the blood clot formed in the socket. Once the blood clot is disrupted, the treated area is prone to harmful bacteria, which may lead to tooth extraction infection. 

Keep your mouth clean 

It is strongly recommended that you swish with salt water rinse at least six times within the day.  Salt slows the bacterial growth in your mouth as it increases the pH balance, creating a hostile environment for bacteria. Follow this tooth extraction aftercare for a week to keep your mouth clean while you’re recuperating from the dental procedure.  

Look out for signs of infection

After the tooth extraction procedure, you have to be watchful if there are any signs of infection developing in your mouth. The common signs of tooth extraction infection are discomfort and swelling near the surgical site. Remember to follow your dentist’s prescription of painkillers to help you manage any sort of discomfort. If you notice some tenderness, apply a cold compress to the swollen area. In any event that these steps do not alleviate the tenderness and discomfort, contact your dentist immediately. 

Watch your food intake

While your body is still recovering from the surgical procedure, you need to be careful about what you eat. Go on a soft diet within the week to help you recover fast. Have more pudding, cereal, yogurt, and pancakes so you can go easy on chewing. On one hand, momentarily ditch on drinking hot beverages since this would disrupt the blood clot. Also, avoid munching on crunchy or hard foods that may irritate the extraction site. 

Follow prescribed medication

Your dentist or oral surgeon will be prescribing medication to manage the presence of bacteria in your mouth. These antibiotics will help you prevent an infection after tooth extraction. Aside from medication, make sure you manage the bleeding or swelling by applying simple home remedies and avoid any problems.

These tooth extraction aftercare tips would certainly help you recover fast from the surgical procedure. Once you have fully recovered, talk to your dentist about your best option for tooth replacement. Part of the dental services in Toronto is providing restorative options such as dental crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants.