2 Tips To Help Your Child Avoid Getting Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal

If your child has impacted wisdom teeth, then it may be about time for them to have those teeth removed. If left untouched, impacted wisdom teeth can result in recurring dental infections. The actual wisdom tooth removal process is incredibly simple. The aftercare can be somewhat tricky, especially for a child. While recovering from wisdom tooth removal, it is important for the blood in your child's mouth to clot. If this does not happen, then they may have to fight off dry socket. Dry socket is extremely painful and should be avoided at all costs. Luckily, there are a few tips you can use to help your child get through this.

Make Sure Your Child Does Not Use a Straw to Drink Beverages

Fluids will be your child's best friend immediately after the wisdom teeth removal procedure is complete. While it may be difficult for them to open up their mouth during the first few days, you should avoid giving them a straw to use. A straw will make the process of drinking much simpler but it can also disrupt your child's blood clot. The clot forms within the first few days; therefore, this time is crucial. Instead of using a straw, they should tilt their head backwards in order to successfully consume beverages. Once the area where their tooth was removed has fully healed, then they can begin using straws again.

Avoid Giving Your Child Food to Chew Within the First Few Days

While hard foods should be completely out of the question immediately after the procedure, soft foods should also be put on a hiatus. Soft foods are not nearly as destructive as harder foods, but they can interfere with the blood clot. Instead, you should focus on only serving your child foods that they can drink. If it requires them to chew or cut it up into pieces, then they should not be consuming it. The easiest way to make softer foods more consumable immediately after wisdom tooth removal is by placing it into a blender. You can make a simple after surgery meal for your child by combining soft fruits and vegetables like strawberries, bananas, and spinach along with milk and yogurt. The smoothie should be enough to cover you child through an entire meal.

Dry socket can make the recovery process from wisdom tooth removal procedure feel incredibly painful. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your child avoids this pain. You can make this happen by using these tips. For more information, contact a local pediatrician.