Having a dry socket can be especially painful. Dry sockets when your body fails to form a blood clot or that blood clot gets dislodged after tooth extraction. Dry sockets can be painful and incredibly harmful to your oral health when not treated. Today, we’ll look at what to look for if you believe you have a dry socket and three ways to treat it effectively.
What Causes Dry Socket and What Are Its Symptoms?
Dry sockets are formed when blood clots cannot protect and heal the area after tooth extraction. This usually occurs when there’s a bacterial infection that occurs after the extraction, the extraction comes with some complications during the procedure, or there is additional trauma to the surgical site. Here are some of the common symptoms that occur with dry sockets:
- Severe pain radiating from the socket to areas along the ear, neck, eye, or temples.
- You can visually see the empty socket
- There is a visible bone in the socket
- You experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth no matter how much you brush your teeth.
How To Get Rid of Dry Socket? Three Home Remedies That Help
As these symptoms occur with a dry socket, these sockets can be hard to manage and challenging to deal with daily. While it’s recommended that you visit a dentist for treatment, some home remedies can help relieve your dry socket symptoms. These three remedies include:
- Saltwater Rinses: Saltwater rinses can be used as a great way to prevent dry sockets from forming in the first place. However, saltwater rinses can also be used to prevent further infection and help reduce your dry socket over time. Rinse your mouth with saltwater twice a day, and swish the saltwater in your mouth for about 60 seconds at least three times a day and after meals.
- Cold and Heat Therapy: Cold ice packs against your face for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction can help reduce signs of inflammation and swelling. Warm washcloths can be used thereafter to help minimize any pain and soothe the nerves. Both of these methods are considered a great way to relieve any form of pain, and they can be especially helpful for dry sockets.
- Honey: While considered sweet and sugary, honey has anti-inflammatory qualities and can help relieve pain and discomfort. To use it for a dry socket, take a sterilized gauze and place some raw honey on it. Then place the gauze on top of the affected area and change it every few hours.
Find Effective Dry Socket Relief At South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry
There are many home remedies that can be used to help prevent it and treat it. However, it is still important to go to your dentist for treatment if you start to notice symptoms of a dry socket. At South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry, our experienced team, led by Dr. Ulysses Vargas, can provide effective dry socket relief. To learn more, schedule an appointment at our location in Spokane, WA, by calling (509) 747-8779 today!
