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Dentists provide advice to patients about when to resume brushing their teeth after dental jobs such as a tooth extraction. The blood clot at the site of the extraction takes time to heal and is particularly vulnerable to bursting in the first 24 hours after extraction. For this reason, some dentists recommend waiting a day before brushing.

When resuming normal brushing with toothpaste be careful to keep the toothbrush away from the extraction wound. Also rinse gently with a half teaspoon of table salt dissolved in a glass of luke warm water. If your tongue feels sharpness of bone in the area of the extraction, don’t be alarmed as this is the edge of the tooth socket that will not be felt after the gum heals. Bupa.co.uk also recommend a gradual start to eating by consuming soft foods for the first week before eating normal foods.

After tooth extraction, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: increased temperature; swelling and pain for three days that does not abate with use of painkillers; laboured breathing or swallowing; and/or if bleeding persists for thirty minutes or more. Dry socket may occur if the extraction site does not adequately heal within two to four days and can cause severe pain. Some bleeding and discomfort is expected due to the tenderness of the wound.

These symptoms may also be an indication of infection so it is essential to contact your dentist in Essex immediately for an examination and further treatment advice.