Proper care of the mouth after a tooth extraction can ease pain and promote better healing.
The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:
- Don't smoke.
- Rinse your mouth carefully, avoiding vigorous rinsing.
- Don't drink through a straw.
- Ease pain by applying a cold rag or a bag of ice.
- Brush and floss teeth regularly, taking care to avoid getting too close to the socket.
Health Tip: Chew Sugarless Gum
Bacteria that contribute to dental plaque crave sugar. These bacteria produce plaque acids that aid in tooth decay by breaking down tooth enamel.
Chewing sugarless gum, however, can help promote a healthier mouth, the American Dental Association says. The ADA mentions these possible benefits of chewing sugarless gum:
- Chewing helps boost the production of saliva, which can help wash away acids that can damage teeth.
- Increased saliva includes more calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Sugarless gum contains sweeteners -- such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol -- that don't contribute to cavities.
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