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Teeth Removal

What to Do After Surgery

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Teeth were removed today as part of your child's dental care. These directions will answer your questions and help you care for your child's mouth.

What stops bleeding?

A folded gauze has been put where your child's teeth were removed. Leave this tightly in place for about 15 minutes. Then throw it away.

Some absorbable packing may have also been put into the hole where the tooth was. This helps to stop bleeding too. It will dissolve itself – you do not need to remove it.

Your child may have slightly red saliva after surgery. If there is bright red bleeding, cover the surgery area with a fresh folded gauze. Have your child gently bite down on it for 20 minutes. This pressure will help stop bleeding. Do again 3 to 4 times if needed.

When can my child's mouth be cleaned?

Your child should not rinse their mouth, spit, or suck through a straw the day of surgery and may brush teeth gently tonight. The next day, they should brush their teeth and rinse very well.

What can my child eat?

Your child needs to eat and should not skip meals. First give your child soft foods. Switch to solid foods when they do not bother your child's mouth. Avoid foods that have sharp edges like chips or hard bites that can irritate the surgical sites, until the areas have healed.

When should I call the Dental Clinic?

If your child's mouth has non-dissolving stitches, be sure to keep the appointment to have them taken out. If your child feels pain, fever, or is sick, please call the Dental Clinic or Emergency Services right away.

If you have any questions or problems, call:

  • Dental Clinic: 206-987-2243
    Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
  • OBCC Dental Clinic: 206-987-7253
    Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
  • Children’s Emergency Room: 206-987-2222
    Hours: 5 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. Monday – Friday, and weekends

To Learn More

  • Ask your child's healthcare provider
  • seattlechildrens.org/patient-education

Free Interpreter Services

  • In the hospital, ask your nurse.
  • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle Children’s offers free interpreter services for patients, family members and legal representatives who are deaf or hard of hearing or speak a language other than English. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your healthcare provider.

© 2026 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved.

07/01/2026
PE165
Patient and Family Education | Dental Clinic

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206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (toll-free) 206-987-0391 (TTY)

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Seattle Children’s complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.