A dry socket also known as alveolar osteitis is a painful condition that occurs as a result of the failure of the formation of a blood clot after a dental surgery. It might also occur as a result of dissolving of the blood clot before the actual healing. A dry socket does not only cause discomfort, but also delay the healing process after surgery. A blood clot is very important because it heals the gums, protects the bone and the nerves. This speeds up the healing process.
The following are some of the ways to avoid a dry socket after a tooth extraction:
1. Practicing proper oral hygiene
This is a major way to avoid a dry socket. Keeping your mouth clean will prevents the formation of germs or other infections in the blood clot. It’s thus good to follow your Emergency Dentist Adelaide Dr clinic’s advice on how to keep your mouth clean. In some cases, the dentist will advice you to rinse your mouth with salty water the first day, brush softly on the second day or even use an antibacterial mouth wash.
2. Eat soft food
For the first few days after tooth extraction you should only eat soft foods. As time goes, try to eat hard foods, but, if you you experience some pain or discomfort you should switch back to the soft foods. Avoid eating foods that might dissolve the clot such a soup. It is also advisable not to eat sticky foods, crunchy foods or nuts.
3. Avoid Smoking
According to medical research, smoking after a dental surgery will definitely increase the chance of a dry socket. This is because fast smoking might dislodge the clot. Also, tobacco in cigarettes may contain some chemicals that might cause infections and lower the healing process. It’s thus important to quite smoking for some days after the extraction.
4. Avoid straws
Don’t use a straw for the first week after the surgery. Using a straw might result to some movements in the cheek muscles that might dislodge the clot.
The above are some of the major ways on how to avoid dry socket. Other things that can also help include, resting after the extraction, following the Campbelltown dentist advice and taking good care of the tooth extraction site.
