(HealthDay News) -- You've just had a tooth pulled and are wondering what to do next.
Your dentist should provide a post-treatment regimen, but here are some pointers from the American Dental Association:
- Some bleeding after the extraction is common. Don't aggravate the condition by smoking, rinsing your mouth vigorously, or drinking through a straw for 24 hours.
- Instead, rinse your mouth gently, and if you experience pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth.
- Your dentist should recommend whether and how often to take pain medication.
- You can brush and floss your teeth, but be sure to avoid aggravating the area near the socket where the tooth was pulled.
