There are several ways to speed up the healing time which your dentist will provide detailed instructions for. These may include: Eating softer foods. Avoiding smoking and spitting for 2 to 3 days. Not drinking through straws for 24 hours after extraction. Icing the affected area to sooth pain and reduce swelling. Eating and drinking things that are only moderate in temperature. Placing gauze on the area and biting down with pressure to reduce bleeding. Avoiding aspirin and other blood thinning medications for a few days. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water instead of mouthwash. It is also important to avoid the area when brushing your teeth for a few days to avoid re-opening the wound.