Overview
Caring for your child’s mouth after tooth removal under local anaesthetic
This information explains how to care for your child after they have had a tooth removed (extracted) under local anaesthetic.
Tell the dentist if your child takes any regular medicines. They might need to stop taking them for a short whole after their extraction.
Symptoms after an extraction
After having a tooth removed, your child might have:
- a numb mouth
- pain
- bleeding
- bruising
- swelling
- infection
The dentist or nurse will give you information about how to manage these symptoms.
The day of the extraction
Having a numb mouth
Your child’s mouth will be numb for 2 to 3 hours after they have had their tooth removed.
Your child should:
- relax, rest, or play quietly
- eat soft and cool foods
- chew on the opposite side of their mouth to where they had treatment (if extractions have been on just 1 side)
Your child should not:
- put their fingers in their mouth
- eat or drink anything hot while their mouth is numb
- exercise
- spit or rinse their mouth, because this can cause bleeding
- bite their tongue, cheek or lip
Brushing their teeth
Your child should brush their teeth as normal at bedtime on the day of the extraction, but not the area where they have had treatment.
Do not let your child rinse their mouth (even after brushing) for 24 hours after treatment, as it can cause bleeding.
If the extraction site is bleeding
If there is bleeding from where the tooth has been removed, you should put firm pressure on the area. Place a tightly rolled-up damp cotton gauze directly onto the area where the tooth was removed, and ask your child to bite hard for at least 10 minutes.
If the bleeding continues, repeat this with clean gauze for another 10 minutes.
If this does not control the bleeding get medical help.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Contact the children’s dental team at the hospital, or come back to the hospital.
Outside of these hours
Go to the children’s emergency department (A&E) at St Thomas’ Hospital, or call NHS 111 for advice.
A few days after the extraction
Swelling
Your child might feel a little bit sore, and there will probably be some swelling.
Pain
Your child should not be in a lot of pain. If they do have pain, use their regular painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Follow the instructions on the packet carefully, and make sure they do not take more than the recommended amount (dose).
Brushing their teeth
Your child should brush their teeth as normal.
From the day after the extraction, your child should rinse their mouth with a warm, salt water mouthwash. They should do this after every meal.
How to make this mouthwash
- Mix 1 level teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water.
- Let it to cool down until warm.
They should use the mouthwash for 3 to 5 days after treatment.
Contact the children's dental team if:
- you’re worried that your child’s mouth is not healing
- there’s persistent bleeding
- the swelling and discomfort is not improving
Resource number: 4146/VER4
Last reviewed: July 2026
Next review due: July 2029
