Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that dentists carry out all the time. Most people recover without any complications, but a few people develop a condition known as dry socket, which can be quite painful. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot, which forms in the gums after a tooth is removed, detaches too early, before healing has finished. Here are a few tips that can help you to avoid dry socket following wisdom teeth removal.
1. Don't Touch
Prodding and poking at an extraction site is a surefire way to detach the clot before it is ready. To give your body the chance to heal, you must keep your fingers away from the sore area. Try not to touch it with anything else, either. Chew only soft foods and be very careful when brushing your teeth.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of dry socket. The chemicals in cigarette smoke reduce the body's ability to heal after wisdom teeth removal. In addition, the action of sucking on a cigarette creates suction in the mouth that can dislodge the blood clot too early. For this reason, dentists recommend avoiding vaping as well as smoking traditional cigarettes during the healing period. If you need help to control your cravings, then a nicotine patch could help.
3. Say No to Straws
It's not only sucking on a cigarette that can cause dry socket; sucking on a straw can be just as much of a trigger. While your gums are healing, try to sip your drinks from a cup or glass rather than using a straw to drink.
4. Stay Hydrated
Saliva helps to keep the mouth moist, which creates an environment that is optimised for wound healing. It also contains natural enzymes that kill bacteria. In order to create an adequate amount of saliva, you need to ensure that you are well hydrated. The best way to ensure hydration is to sip water throughout the day, but be careful not to gulp it down too quickly or you could dislodge your clot.
Try to avoid drinks that contain sugar or carbonation. Sugary drinks promote bacterial reproduction, which increases the risk of developing an infection in your wisdom teeth extraction site. Meanwhile, carbonation can cause the clot to dissolve, leading to dry socket. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages, as alcohol increases the risk of bleeding and can reduce the body's ability to heal.
Share24 May 2021
Hi! My name is Sarah, and as a busy professional, I understand the importance of making the most of my time. That includes everything from having productive working lunches to making the most of my dental checkups. I have created this blog to help you maximise your dental checkups. In these posts, you can learn how to prepare for your checkup, which questions to ask during your checkup and more. I am also going to have posts explaining why checkups are critical to your dental health as well as the health of your entire body. Happy reading, and thanks for visiting my blog!
