Follow the instructions given to you by the dental professional who removed your tooth. The advice below supports normal healing after a straightforward extraction. Your own instructions may be different if your treatment was more complex.
For the first 24 hours
- Do not rinse your mouth, spit forcefully, touch the socket or disturb the blood clot.
- Rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
- Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating. Choose soft, cool or lukewarm food and take care not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue.
- Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol. These can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Pain, swelling and pain relief
Some discomfort, swelling and bruising are common. They may increase during the first two to three days and should then begin to improve.
If you need pain relief, paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if you can normally take them. Follow the packet instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not take aspirin specifically for extraction pain because it can encourage bleeding. If aspirin has been prescribed for another condition, do not stop it without advice from the clinician who prescribed it.
If the socket starts bleeding
A small amount of blood mixed with saliva can look dramatic and is usually expected on the day of treatment. If there is fresh, thick red bleeding, sit upright and place damp gauze or a clean folded cotton handkerchief directly over the socket. Bite firmly for 30 minutes without repeatedly checking it. Repeat once if needed.
If the bleeding has not stopped after one hour of firm pressure, contact NHS 111 or the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800. For heavy bleeding that will not stop, call 999 or go to A&E.
From the next day
- Brush your teeth twice a day, but be gentle around the socket.
- Gently bathe the area with warm salt water after meals. Mix about one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Do not use water hot enough to burn your mouth.
- Continue with softer food until chewing is comfortable, then return gradually to your normal diet.
- If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Contact a pharmacist, NHS 111 or the prescriber if you think you are having a reaction.
Get urgent dental advice if
- Bleeding continues despite firm pressure.
- Pain becomes severe, is not controlled by suitable pain relief, or gets worse after initially improving.
- Swelling continues to increase after the first few days, or you develop a high temperature, pus or a persistent unpleasant taste.
- You are worried that the socket is not healing.
Clinical sources
This general information was reviewed against current NHS guidance. Your treating dental professional’s instructions take priority.
Call 999 or go to A&E for a medical emergency
Get emergency help for heavy bleeding that will not stop, severe swelling affecting breathing or the eyes, or another serious medical emergency. If you are unsure, contact NHS 111.