When your child needs a tooth extraction, whether that’s due to decay, injury, or crowding, it’s natural to have plenty of questions about what comes next. One of the most common concerns parents have is how to handle brushing after the procedure. While keeping your child’s mouth clean is important for their overall oral health, you also want to avoid disturbing the healing area.
On the day of the extraction, it’s best to give your child’s mouth a rest from brushing. This allows the blood clot to form and protects the site as healing begins. You can resume gentle brushing of the other teeth after the first 24 hours, taking care to avoid the extraction site until it feels more comfortable. This approach supports healing, helps prevent irritation or bleeding, and lowers the risk of infection.
Understanding What Happens After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth is removed, the body begins healing immediately. A blood clot forms in the empty space, protecting the underlying bone and tissue. This clot plays a big role in recovery. Disturbing this clot too soon, for instance, by brushing directly over the area, can slow healing or cause discomfort—just like picking at a scab on the skin can reopen the wound and delay healing.
It’s recommended that you wait until the day after the procedure before carefully reintroducing tooth brushing (with modifications).
Keeping the Mouth Clean Without Brushing the Extraction Site
On the day of the extraction, it’s best to avoid brushing altogether to protect the sensitive area and allow the blood clot to form. Instead, you can focus on gentle rinsing with water to help keep the mouth fresh and free of food particles, without risking irritation or disturbing the healing site.
Some gentle care steps for the first day:
- Have your child drink water to help wash away food particles
- Avoid swishing forcefully, which can loosen the clot
- Stick to soft foods that are less likely to irritate the site
By giving the area a short break, you’re helping the natural healing process do its job.
Resuming Brushing After the First Day
Once you’ve reached the 24-hour mark, you can start helping your child brush again, but it’s important to be cautious. The goal is to keep the rest of their mouth clean without touching the extraction site directly.
Here are some tips for brushing during recovery:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Angle the brush to avoid the empty socket
- Keep strokes gentle and slow
- Encourage your child to spit gently rather than rinsing forcefully
Even though the healing area will still be delicate, the rest of the teeth and gums still need attention to prevent plaque buildup.
Using Rinses to Support Healing
After the first day, a mild saltwater rinse can be helpful for reducing bacteria and soothing the mouth. For children, it’s important to make sure they’re able to swish gently without swallowing the solution.
How to make a saltwater rinse
Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Stir until dissolved. Your child can hold the rinse in their mouth for a few seconds, then let it fall into the sink.
This isn’t a replacement for brushing, but it can help keep the area cleaner between brushes.
Foods That Can Help or Hinder Healing
Diet plays a big role in healing. Soft foods support recovery, while crunchy or hard foods can dislodge the clot and slow the process.
Choose Soft Foods
Good choices might include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid Hard Foods for a Few Days
Have your child avoid eating foods like:
- Crunchy snacks like chips
- Hard or chewy candies
- Very hot foods or drinks
- Foods with small seeds that can get stuck
Watching for Signs of Healing
In the days following the extraction, you might notice swelling, tenderness, or slight bleeding. These are common, but they should gradually improve.
If your child experiences any of the following, contact your dentist and have them give your child a check-up:
- Persistent bleeding
- Severe swelling
- Fever
- Pain that worsens after a 2-3 days (should be better by the 4th day)
When to Resume Regular Brushing
Most children can return to their normal brushing routine within a week, depending on how the extraction site looks and feels. The area should be free from swelling or bleeding, and your child should feel comfortable moving the brush around their mouth.
If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to brush over the site, you can always have a quick check-in with Dr. Lee. He can confirm that healing is on track and that your child can return to their usual routine.
Building Healthy Habits for the Future
Tooth extraction recovery is temporary, but the habits your child builds afterward can last a lifetime. Once healing is complete, return to brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to keep their smile strong. If you ever have questions about recovery or ongoing care, our team is here to guide you.At London Little Bites Dentistry, we make every visit positive and comfortable for children while giving parents the tools they need to support healthy smiles at home. Together, we can help your child heal well today and enjoy great oral health for years to come.