ACTIVITY:

Because your child may be drowsy, he or she should rest for the remainder of the day and through the evening. Your child may need help when walking. Do not let him or her climb stairs, play on swing sets, ride bikes, hike or operate appliances.

DRINKING AND EATING:

Encourage your child to drink liquids. Children who have teeth removed or gum surgery should not use straws or sippy cups for about 2 days. Today, serve your child only soft foods such as Jell-O, soup, applesauce or noodles. Do not feed your child hot or spicy foods, chips, peanuts or crackers. Tomorrow your child should be allowed to eat any food that he or she would like. If your child had teeth removed, begin the second day with softer foods. Later on the second day, your child may eat any food that is comfortable to chew.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING:

Either condition could be caused by the medications given, swallowed blood, anxiety or other reasons. If nausea occurs, give your child only clear liquids for the day. Keep his or her head elevated. Have your child rest on his or her side. You may need to add support with pillows. DO NOT ALLOW your child to rest or sleep on his or her back. If nausea and vomiting persist, call the surgery center or Dr. Sakhi.

BLEEDING:

If your child had teeth removed or gum surgery, there may be a small amount of pinkish drooling and minor oozing for about 24 hours. If you notice continued bleeding from the gums, place gauze over the area and have your child bite down firmly for approximately 20 minutes. You may want to place an old pillowcase on your child’s pillow in case oozing occurs during the night. If excessive bleeding should occur, call Dr. Sakhi.

PAIN AND DISCOMFORT:

There may be soreness of the mouth and jaw muscles after dental surgery. The nose and throat may be tender because of the breathing tube used to put your child to sleep. The recommended dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen or Motrin (ibuprofen) should be sufficient to control the pain. Do not give your child aspirin.

SWELLING AND BRUISING:

Swelling and bruising of the mouth and jaws commonly occur after dental surgery. To help reduce swelling, you can use ice packs. If swelling and bruising worsen after 48 hours, call Dr. Sakhi.

FEVER:

If your child develops a fever, give him or her over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. If fever remains above 100ºF after giving the medication, call your physician or Dr. Sakhi. Do not give your child aspirin.

ORAL HYGIENE:

You should gently brush your child’s teeth tonight after his or her last meal. Some redness on the toothbrush should not keep you from brushing, as the gums will heal faster around a clean tooth. Do not brush aggressively and do not brush the gums in areas where teeth have been removed. Beginning tomorrow, brush and floss your child’s teeth thoroughly everyday with an emphasis at the gum line. Do not let your child swish or spit for 2 days if your child's teeth were removed.

MEDICATIONS:

Continue giving your child his or her usual medication(s) unless directed otherwise. If medication(s) are prescribed have the prescriptions filled immediately and give the medication(s) as directed.

FOLLOW- UP APPOINTMENTS

Unless you are directed otherwise, your child is to be seen for a follow-up visit. If you have not scheduled an appointment, please call Tooth & Co at 952-920-8234.

If you consider your child to have a life threatening emergency, CALL 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency care facility.