After tooth extraction, a blood clot forms at the procedure site and protects the naked bone and nerves. Caring for this blood clot is important for a healthy recovery. Sometimes, certain actions or infections can displace the blood clot and hinder the healing process. When this happens, you have a condition called ‘dry socket.’ This brings out your bones and nerves out in the open for an easy attack by bacteria, causing throbbing pain. So, how to prevent a dry socket?
A dry socket decelerates the recovery activity along with excruciating discomfort, so when stuck in such a situation, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
While you wait for the appointment and things to take a positive turn, go through this article to learn what causes a dry socket and what you can do to avoid it.
What are the causes of dry socket?
Anything that displaces the blood clot before it has recovered can give you a dry socket. Some common causes are sucking or food debris getting stuck in the extraction site. Few other reasons include coughing, spitting, or poor oral hygiene.
How to Prevent Dry Socket
Now that you know what a dry socket is and its causes, let’s learn about preventing it. Dry socket prevention is very simple, and the main thing to do is to keep the site clean through proper hygiene. Below are a few tips to help you with the recovery process.
Be aware of what you eat and drink
For the first few days following the extraction, avoid eating hard, crunchy, or chewy food items. Try not to chew from the side of surgery, refrain from sucking with a straw, and say no to the alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks.
Instead, drink plenty of plain water and eat soft and easy-to-chew foods. Yogurt, boiled veggies, smoothies, milkshakes, mashed potatoes are all good for you.
Avoid tobacco use
Avoid tobacco at any cost and in any form. Chewing tobacco can disturb the blood clot, and smoking exposes the extraction site to bacteria. Both acts can slow down your healing.
Keep your mouth clean
After the extraction, you can brush your teeth and tongue to keep things clean. But be careful not to hurt the blood clot. A day after, you can also rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Rest as much as you can
Take plenty of rest for a speedy recovery. Avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days will be good for you. Are you worried, how will you pass the boring time in bed? You’ll never get a better time to watch your favorite show or movie. Enjoy this time to the fullest and phew away the work stress.
While the above tips will surely help prevent a dry socket, it’s always advised to see your dentist. Contact Friendswood Smile Dentistry today at (832) 895 1905 and book an appointment.