Health Tip: After You Have a Tooth Pulled

(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.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Nov. 24, 2005