Will I have pain after a tooth is extracted? A certain amount of pain following the removal of teeth is not uncommon. If no prescription for pain medicine is given, you may use over the counter pain medicine such as Tylenol®. Do not use aspirin products. What if there is bleeding? A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following tooth extractions. Oozing may continue twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If a lot of bleeding occurs, remove any large liver-like clots, then place a piece of folded gauze over the bleeding area and bite down firmly for twenty minutes. The gauze pack must be thick enough so you can press when biting down. Repeat this procedure if necessary. Biting pressure on a wet tea bag may be effective in stopping bleeding. If bleeding happens, avoid hot liquids, stop mouth rinse, sit upright and stop exercise. Will there be swelling? Following extractions, swelling and sometimes bruising can be expected. Normally, swelling will reach its peak on the third day after surgery, then go away. To help swelling go down, ice packs should be put on your face where the swelling is twenty to thirty minutes each hour for the first twenty-four hours, then five to ten minutes each hour for the next day if swelling is extreme. After two days, stop the ice. Can I use mouthwash? Vigorous mouth washing may cause bleeding if clots are not formed. Therefore do not rinse your mouth for at least six hours following extractions. You may then gently rinse mouth with warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water) four or five times a day for several days. If bleeding continues, stop all mouth rinsing and bite on folded gauze. The third day following surgery you may use a mouthwash such as Cepocol®, Lavoris®, or Chloraseptic® in addition to the salt water. This will leave a more pleasant taste in your mouth and also act as an antiseptic. What can I eat? Your diet should be light, smooth foods (soups, custards, junior baby foods, egg nogs and Jell-O, etc.) until healing has gotten to the point where more coarse foods can be chewed. Dietary supplements such as Nutrament®, Sustacal® or Boost® may be helpful to maintain daily dietary requirements. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Maintain normal bowel movements. A mild laxative is recommended if necessary.