Natural Care after Getting a Tooth Extracted
It is not a secret that tooth extraction can cause pain and discomfort. The tooth may be injured by the instrument used to extract it, or it might result in infection or dry socket.
To prevent dry socket and the unpleasant symptoms of tooth extraction requires proper care. Here are some tips for dealing with the aftereffects caused by extraction using natural techniques.
Reasons Someone May Need to get a Tooth Removed
- Tooth Decay or Infection
Tooth infection, tooth decay, or gum disease are three of the most common reasons why a tooth needs to be extracted. Tooth infection occurs when bacteria and food particles collect in the tooth’s pulp chamber.
Tooth decay occurs when the teeth themselves decay and become hollowed out, exposing the nerve and causing pain. Gum disease can also cause pain in your mouth and affect your teeth as well. - Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. The gums can crack, bleed and become painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread deep into the bone or jawbone.
If you have gum disease and your dentist finds tartar buildup on your teeth, they may recommend removing a tooth to prevent further damage to the gum tissue. - Damage from Trauma
Your teeth can get damaged from trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out or broken off, you should see your dentist as soon as possible because, in some cases, they may remove it altogether. - Crowded Teeth
One of the most common reasons for getting a tooth removed is when teeth are crowded.
Teeth may be crowded if they overlap or if they’re too close together. If this is the case, it can cause problems with your bite, making it difficult to eat and speak properly.
How a Tooth Extraction is performed
The tooth extraction is done to prevent infection, pain, and other complications. Your dentist
will numb the area around your tooth with local anesthesia before making an incision into the
gum and removing the tooth. You may have some discomfort during this procedure, but it
should not be painful.
You should expect some bleeding after a tooth extraction. You may also feel some sensitivity
in your mouth for several days after the procedure.
How Should I Care for Myself at Home After a Tooth Extraction?
- Rest adequately and be Careful
The best way to care for you at home after a tooth extraction is to rest adequately and be
careful. You should avoid vigorous exercise and smoking for the first few days, but its fine to
eat and drink normally. Following an extraction you should not eat or drink anything for at least two hours after the procedure.
If you have a sore jaw, you may want to wear a mouth guard during sleep. A dental appliance
is a plastic device that fits over your teeth and holds them in place. It can help reduce pain
when sleeping or resting on your side. If you have stitches in your gums, they will need to be
dissolved before eating solid foods or drinking milk. - Avoid Rinsing
Avoid rinsing your mouth for at least 120 minutes after a tooth extraction. Rinsing too soon
may cause irritation and redness in the area around the extraction site, making it difficult to
eat certain foods or drink fluids.
If you have a sore throat, it’s important to avoid rinsing for at least two days after a tooth
extraction. If you have a fever, it’s best to avoid rinsing until the fever is gone. - Keep the Mouth Clean
The mouth should be kept clean and moist after a tooth extraction, as your dentist suggest a rinse to keep the mouth clean. after the first two hours. You can ask your dentist about using a natural rinse such as the Natural Dentist’s rinse with Aloe Vera, Goldenseal and Calendula. These are natural antiseptics. - Dealing with Bleeding
Bleeding is a common problem after a tooth extraction. The bleeding is caused by the removal of blood vessels and nerves, which means that you will bleed for a few minutes. You may also experience pain and swelling, especially in the gums.
To prevent excessive bleeding, eat soft foods like yogurt, which are easier on your teeth. Drinking lots of water can help control the bleeding. If you have severe pain or swelling, discuss with your dentist about a pain relief medicine.
What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About After an Extraction?
The symptoms of an infection after a tooth extraction are similar to those of a root canal. The only difference is that the pain associated with an infection may be more severe and last longer.
The most common symptom of an infection is swelling around the area where the tooth was removed. This can be accompanied by redness, pain, or fever. Other symptoms include:
Chills
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Vomiting blood
Dry Socket
Occasionally but rarely, a case of dry socket, also called Alveolar Osteitis, may ensue after tooth extraction. Research indicates that this occurs in about 2 percent of tooth extractions. Those who have had their lower wisdom teeth removed have a higher risk.
Normally, a blood clot will form where the tooth was located, to protect the nerves and tissues. If this blood clot doesn’t form, or the clot is damaged or dislodged, the tissues can become exposed. This will often result in inflammation and increased pain.
Dry socket symptoms can occur two to four days after the extraction, during a time when the discomfort normally would be significantly decreased.
You can reduce the risk of dry socket by being careful not to spit, suck through a straw, drag during smoking or rinse aggressively. Note also that nicotine reduces blood supply in the mouth, which can prevent the clot from forming.
See your dentist if you suspect you have dry socket. Natural strategies that may help dry socket heal include putting clove oil on a sterilized gauze and apply directly to the extraction area for 20 minutes at a time. You can also rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Be sure to brush your teeth very lightly and carefully around the extraction area. You can use cold packs pressed on your jaw to reduce the inflammation.
More information on dry socket.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your teeth is important after tooth extraction. If you have more questions or you are feeling uncomfortable, contact your dentist.
