Dental Care Help and Advice

After a tooth extraction

On the day of the tooth extraction do not rinse your mouth out with any mouthwash or any other liquids, this will disturb the blood clot and delay healing. If bleeding occurs bite on soft gauze or clean towel for 15-20 mins until it stops

• Do take painkillers advised by your dentist when required (do not take aspirin as this thins the blood which may encourage bleeding)
• Do not smoke or take excessive exercise
• Follow a soft diet

The day after extraction rinse with a warm salty mouthwash or antiseptic mouthwash.You may experience pain and swelling after your extraction but if the symptoms persist or the bleeding persists please contact your surgery.

Tooth decay

Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are the cause of tooth decay. When you eat these foods the bacteria break down the sugars to make acid. Acid combined with bacteria, food particles and saliva forms a sticky substance called plaque which covers your teeth.

Over time the plaque will weaken the surface your tooth making it more prone to further attack. Eventually the tooth will become so weak that it crumbles.

It is therefore extremely important to limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods or drinks in your diet. Also brushing at least twice a day with Flouride toothpaste should help prevent tooth decay

Gum disease

Plaque as explained above also attacks your gums causing gingivitis – gum disease. You may have gum disease if you notice bleeding gums, swollen red gums, bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.

Gum disease is reversible if you have it treated early enough and you follow the oral hygiene instructions given by your dentist or hygienist.

If gum disease is left to progress the gums and bone will recede from around your tooth making it less secure and eventually you may lose your tooth. Smoking makes gum disease worse and sometimes are decreased resistance to gum disease is inherited from our parents.