Children's visits · aftercare
Caring for your child after dental treatment
After a check-up, clean or fluoride, most children can eat and play as normal. After a filling or a tooth removal at Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows, watch that your child doesn't bite their numb lip or cheek, give soft food for the rest of the day, and call us if pain, bleeding or swelling gets worse.
When should you call us or seek urgent care?
Go to hospital or call 000
- Swelling of the face, eye or neck that is spreading, or trouble breathing or swallowing
- Bleeding that soaks through gauze after 30 minutes of firm biting pressure
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat soon after treatment (a possible allergic reaction: call 000)
Call us today
- Pain that is getting worse after the first day instead of better
- A fever, or your child seems unwell
- A swollen, red or weeping area where they bit their lip or cheek
- A filling or sealant that has come out
Book the next available time
- Mild tenderness or sensitivity that is improving
- A slightly rough feel on a new filling
What should you watch for while your child is numb?
Numbness usually lasts a few hours. Children often don't understand the strange feeling and may chew, suck or bite their lip, cheek or tongue, which can cause a painful sore. Until the feeling comes back:
- Keep an eye on them and gently remind them not to bite or suck the area.
- Hold off on food that needs chewing. Cool drinks are fine.
- Avoid hot food and drinks, so they don't burn their mouth.
After a filling or fissure sealant
Your child can eat once the numbness has gone. A new filling may feel a little different at first, and the tooth may be sensitive to cold for a few days. Sealants don't need any special care. Keep brushing twice a day, and we'll check fillings and sealants at each check-up.
After a baby tooth is removed
- Have your child bite on the gauze for 30 minutes to stop the bleeding.
- For the rest of the day, avoid rinsing, spitting, straws and hard play.
- Give soft, cool food, and avoid chewing on that side.
- Brush gently the next day, avoiding the gap for a day or two.
- Some oozing in the first few hours is normal. If it bleeds again, fold clean gauze, place it on the gap and have your child bite for 30 minutes.
How can you help with pain?
Most children only need a cuddle and a quiet afternoon. If your child is sore, you can give pain relief made for children, following the dose on the packet for their age and weight. Ask a pharmacist if you're unsure. Never put aspirin on the gum.
Keeping teeth healthy at home
Help your child brush twice a day, use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for their age, and offer water between meals rather than sweet drinks. Book their next check-up before you forget. Read more on children's dentistry, or see CDBS bulk billing. Children's care is overseen by Dr Fatima Kurnaz.
Other questions people ask
My child bit their numb lip and it looks swollen. What should I do?
It's common after a numbing injection. The area can look swollen or white for a few days. Keep it clean, offer soft cool food, and call us if it gets redder, more swollen, or your child has a fever.
Can my child go back to school after treatment?
Usually, yes, once the numbness has worn off and they feel well. After a tooth is removed, a quiet afternoon is a good idea.
How long do fissure sealants last?
Sealants can last for years, but they can wear or come away. We check them at each check-up and repair them if needed.
When can my child brush after a filling?
The same day. Brush gently, and avoid the extraction area for the first day if a tooth was removed.
Is it normal for a filled tooth to feel sensitive?
Some sensitivity to cold for a few days can happen. Call us if it gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks.