How to look after yourself following an extraction

For the first 24 hours don’t drink alcohol, eat hot foods or disturb the blood clot that will have formed in the socket. Don’t smoke or exercise for the rest of the day. Don’t rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after the removal. Starting the following day, rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water to keep the socket clean. Rinse your mouth for up to 6 times a day for the following week after eating and before going to bed. Brush your teeth normally with toothpaste to keep the rest of your mouth clean. If you feel small pieces of bone working their way out of the socket do not worry – this is normal. Some swelling or discomfort may occur for the first two or three days. Take painkillers if you need them (as you would do for a headache), ask your dentist if you are unsure what to take.