Your child has had some teeth extracted. Usually a 2x2 gauze pad has been placed over the area of the extraction(s) with the instructions to keep firm pressure for about 15 minutes. This will allow for good healing and help reduce lip/cheek biting and drooling. You can remove the gauze after this time but remember children who are "numb" in one or several parts of their mouth often drool for one to two hours after the local anesthetic wears off. If bleeding continues, reapply gauze to the area for an additional 10 minutes, with firm pressure. Remember a few drops of blood mixed with saliva often looks like a lot of blood.

After the anesthetic wears off, soft blander types of foods are best for the remainder of the day. Do not drink liquids through a straw and do not rinse the mouth out during that entire day.

The degree of discomfort your child may experience will depend on your individual child and, of course, the number of teeth that have been removed. We have found that for young children, it is best to give Children's Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin. Of course older children and teens can use the adult dosages of those medications.

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