Home Remedies for a Swollen Face After Tooth Extraction

Swelling after a tooth extraction isn’t unusual, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Your face might feel sore, puffy, tight, or uncomfortable. While it’s a normal part of healing, nobody wants to sit around with it. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do at home to bring that swelling down. Moreover, the materials needed for these remedies are also easily available.

Read this blog to learn about ways you can reduce inflammation right at home after undergoing tooth removal.

Why Does Your Face Swell After a Tooth Extraction?

A dentist performing a tooth extraction has to gently but firmly loosen the tooth from your socket. That process can cause tissue irritation, minor bleeding, and inflammation.

Swelling is your body’s natural way of sending healing cells to the area. It’s especially common if:

• The procedure was lengthy or complex (like wisdom teeth removal)
• The tooth was infected beforehand
• There was trauma to the surrounding tissues during the extraction

Most swelling starts within 24 hours, peaks around day 2 or 3, and then slowly fades over the course of a week. There are certain home remedies that might be able to to bring the inflammation down more quickly.

1. Cold Compress (First 24 Hours Only)

Ice helps shrink blood vessels, which slows inflammation and numbs discomfort after a tooth extraction in Amherst.

• Wrap ice or a gel pack in a thin towel (never apply it directly)
• Hold it on the swollen side of your face for 15-20 minutes
• Take breaks of at least 20 minutes in between

Repeat as needed during the first 24 hours. After that? Switch to a heat compress.

2. Warm Compress (After 24 Hours)

Once the swelling starts to peak (usually on day 2 or 3), heat can help increase circulation and encourage the swelling to drain.

• Use a warm (not hot) cloth or heating pad
• Hold it gently to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes
• Repeat 2-3 times per day as needed

Avoid putting pressure on the area.

3. Salt Water Rinse (But Don’t Overdo It)

Salt water is nature’s antiseptic. It helps keep the area clean and reduce bacteria, which is especially important after a tooth extraction.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of warm water
• Gently swish for about 30 seconds and spit it out
• Use 2-3 times a day, starting after the first 24 hours

Don’t rinse aggressively. It can cause more irritation.

4. Elevate Your Head (Even When Sleeping)

Gravity is your ally. Keeping your head elevated prevents blood and fluids from pooling around the extraction site, which helps keep swelling in check.

• Prop yourself up with an extra pillow or two while resting
• Avoid sleeping flat on your back or stomach
• Don’t lie on the side of your face that’s swollen

This small adjustment can make a big difference overnight.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Soft, Cool Foods

Healing after a tooth extraction takes energy and hydration. However, you also don’t want to irritate the area with chewy, crunchy, or spicy foods. 

• Consume cool smoothies. Do not use straws
• Have mashed potatoes, yogurt, or applesauce
• Drink soup  only if it’s lukewarm
• Stick to water, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks
• Avoid hot or carbonated beverages.

6. Turmeric Paste or Rinse

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. It can help soothe the area and may reduce facial swelling post-extraction.

Use it as:

• A gentle rinse (boil turmeric in water, cool it down, then swish)
• A paste (mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil and apply externally)
• Don’t put the paste directly inside your mouth unless advised by your dentist.

How Long Should Swelling Last?

For most people, swelling starts going down by day three and is mostly gone by day seven. If you still look puffy or feel worse after a week, or you’re running a fever, experiencing foul odor,, it’s time to call your dentist.

Those could be signs of infection or dry socket, and they’ll need professional attention.

Swelling after a tooth extraction may be a normal part of the process, but you don’t have to suffer through it. A little care, the right home remedies, and knowing what to avoid can speed up your recovery and make your face feel normal in no time.

So grab an ice pack, stay hydrated, and give your body the gentle support it needs to heal. Are you ready to heal from swelling like a pro? Schedule a consultation today to learn more.