Regular Diet and Oral Hygiene Instructions:
- Brush twice daily – morning and at night before going to bed (unless fluoride varnish was applied, then wait until the following morning to brush).
- Floss daily.
- Regular visits to the dentist for a cleaning and check-up every 6 months.
- Eat a healthy diet.
Extractions:
- Please have your child bite firmly on the gauze in their mouth for 20 minutes, or as directed by the doctor. If the socket continues to bleed, use the extra gauze given to you and have your child bite firmly on it for an additional 30 minutes.
- Your child MUST NOT rinse out their mouth, drink from a straw, or gargle or spit for the next 24 hours.
- A soft diet is recommended for the rest of today and your child must not participate in any sports activities today.
- If your child is experiencing any discomfort, consult with your dentist for proper pain management.
Fluoride Varnish:
- After a fluoride varnish is applied, your child may not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
- Do not brush your child’s teeth for the rest of the day. You can start brushing the next morning.
Sealants:
- Your child may not eat anything sticky (fruit snacks/rolls, gummy candy) or crunchy (ice, hard candy) as the sealant may fail.
- Sealants are tooth colored so you will not see them, but the doctor will check them every 6 months at the cleaning appointment.
- Flossing is still a MUST after sealants are applied.
Crowns:
- The gums may be tender and the tooth may feel different. Your child will get used to the crown after a couple of days and the tenderness will go away.
Space Maintainers:
- If a spacer is cemented in the mouth, your child may need a few days to get used to the appliance. Proper oral hygiene around the spacer is a MUST.
Fillings:
- Your child may experience slight discomfort in the gum area.
