Post-Surgical Pediatric Dental Care For Kids

If your child is enjoying a sugary or starchy snack during the day, it is more than likely that their teeth and gums are being exposed to decay-causing elements. If they do consume these things, we recommend they brush and floss their teeth after they are consumed or try and stay away from them altogether.

In most cases, a soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours after a procedure. Your child should:

• Chew on the opposite side of the treated area.
• Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and popcorn.
• For extractions, avoid using straws, spitting, or vigorous rinsing, as this can dislodge the healing clot and lead to dry socket.

It is important to note that there may be sensitivity to hot and/or cold, pressure, and swelling after a dental procedure. In most cases, any discomfort will subside dramatically within the first 24-48 hours.

Tooth Extractions

• Keep gauze in place for at least 30-45 minutes to help with clot formation.
• Avoid spitting, drinking from a straw, or rinsing vigorously for 24 hours to prevent dry socket.
• If bleeding continues, place a clean gauze pad over the area and apply gentle pressure.

Root Canals

• Some tenderness is expected for a few days.
• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Dental Crowns

• Your child may feel some soreness around the gums, but this should subside within a few days.
• Have them chew on the opposite side for a few days.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods that could loosen the crown.

Laser Soft Gum Surgery

• Mild tenderness is common, but healing is usually faster than traditional gum procedures.
• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and warm saltwater rinses.

Dental Fillings

• Your child may have numbness for a few hours. Ensure they don’t bite their lip or cheek while eating.
• Sensitivity to temperature and pressure is common and should improve within a few days.
• Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods for 24 hours.

After a major procedure, most discomfort can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Pain medications work best when taken before the pain reaches its worst. Medications should be taken on a schedule and never more than the recommended dose.

• Root Canal Treatment: Mild discomfort is expected for a few days. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed.
• Dental Crowns: Your child may feel some soreness around the gums, but this should subside within a few days. Avoid sticky foods that could loosen the crown.
• Laser Soft Gum Surgery:   Minor tenderness is common but should heal faster than traditional gum procedures.
• Dental Fillings:   Sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal but should improve within a few days. Ensure your child does not bite their lip or cheek while numb.
• Tooth Extractions:   Expect mild bleeding for the first few hours. Avoid spitting, drinking from a straw, or vigorous rinsing to prevent dry socket. Also avoid swimming for 2 weeks.

If your child experiences severe pain, swelling, or prolonged discomfort, contact our office immediately.

When brushing, we recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush as it is gentler on teeth and gums. As for toothpaste, this depends on your child’s oral health, as there are different toothpaste recommendations depending on their individual needs. If you are curious about which toothbrush or toothpaste is best for your child, please call our practice to set up an appointment.

Your child’s gums may be tender around the tooth that has been worked on. Keeping their gums clean with gentle flossing, brushing, and rinsing with warm saltwater (½ tsp of regular table salt in 8 oz of warm water) will help their gums recover more quickly.

If you have any concerns about your child’s healing process, please contact our pediatric dental team.