What should I avoid doing after a tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. This clot is an important part of the normal healing process. You should avoid activities that might disturb the clot. Here's how to protect it:

• Do not smoke, or rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities create suction in the mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or mouthwash containing alcohol for 24 hours.
• Do not clean the teeth next to the healing tooth socket for the rest of the day. You should, however, brush and floss your other teeth thoroughly. Gently rinse your mouth afterward.
• Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form.