Oral Surgery & Extractions
Caring for your mouth after oral surgery
Simple aftercare that helps you heal comfortably and avoid problems.
First 24h
Rest, no rinsing
Swelling
Cold packs day 1
Eating
Soft, cool foods
Avoid
Smoking & straws
Overview
Good aftercare in the first few days does most of the work in healing comfortably and avoiding complications like bleeding or dry socket. The guidance below applies to most extractions and oral surgery — your dentist will add anything specific to your procedure.
Caring for it
- Bite gently on the gauze provided for up to an hour to settle any bleeding.
- Rest for the remainder of the day and keep your head slightly raised when lying down.
- Use cold packs on the cheek (20 minutes on, 20 off) for the first day to limit swelling.
- For the first 24 hours don't rinse, spit forcefully, or use straws — this protects the healing clot.
- From day 2, rinse gently with warm salty water a few times a day, especially after meals.
- Eat soft, cool foods and chew away from the surgical site; return to normal foods as comfort allows.
- Do not smoke or vape — it markedly increases the risk of dry socket and slows healing.
- Take pain relief as advised; take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
Call your dentist if…
- bleeding is heavy and won't settle with gauze pressure, pain worsens after day 3, swelling rapidly increases or affects swallowing or breathing, or you develop a fever.
Common questions
How long should I take it easy?
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about 2–3 days, as these can restart bleeding.
When can I brush?
Keep brushing your other teeth normally; from the day after surgery, clean gently around the site, avoiding direct pressure on it.
Related topics
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026