[toc]Dry socket is a dental condition, which is quite painful. It develops after you have extracted a tooth permanently. The pain generally begins 3-4 days after removal of the tooth. Blood clots in the site of tooth extraction will serve as protective cover for the underlying nerve endings and bone in the empty socket. Dry socket develops when blood clot dissolves before the wound heals completely.
The exposure of the nerve ending and bones underlying the socket causes intense pain and the pain can radiate to ears, eyes, neck and sides of the face. It might also cause bad breath, unpleasant taste in mouth, swollen lymph nodes and even slight fever. The condition may occur due to bacterial infection, trauma at the site, or due to any bone or tissue remains. Consult the dentist, if pain does not alleviate. A few natural cures come handy in this situation.
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5 Natural Cures For Dry Socket
Clove Oil
Clove oil has antiseptic and analgesic properties and it has been used from ancient days to treat pain and tooth problems. The anecdotal properties of clove oil show that it has the properties to numb and kill pain related to dental problems. It also aids in maintaining oral health. Clove oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can fight infections. It is a powerful painkiller.
Flush the dry socket with water and then use clove oil. Use a dressing with clove oil for the socket, so that it will help you reduce pain and will also destroy the harmful bacteria and prevents further infection. Gently massage the gums using diluted clove oil, which would encourage faster healing of the dry socket.
Keep Hydrated
It is necessary to keep yourself hydrated to prevent and treat dry socket. Drink plenty of water or clear liquid. Make sure you do not irritate the site of dry socket while you drink something. Avoid drinking using straw, as the sucking action might cause stress in the wound site and will delay the formation of scab.
Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, carbonated and hot beverages. It might dislodge blood clot from the dry socket and might cause serious problem. Drinking a lot of lukewarm water will help reduce the pain associated with dry socket.
Rinse Your Mouth
Gently rinse your mouth several times to remove food particles or any debris from where the tooth is removed. You can add some salt to hot water and use it for rinsing your mouth. Salt has antibacterial properties and it also aids in drawing fluids from the dry socket, which will promote fast healing.
Rinse the mouth every 4 hours using salt water and also after every meal or snack. Make sure that water removes all small bits of food around the missing tooth.
Food
Eat soft textured food. Avoid taking hard food, which you will have to chew. Also, avoid taking hot and spicy food, which might irritate the wound, as they may get wedged in the tooth-extracted area. Chewing hard or tough food will surely break the scab, which protects the fragile nerves from being exposed to the irritants.
Take semi-solid food and soft food like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc. Avoid chicken, caramel, toffee, chips, crunchy food, steak etc. They will irritate and cause discomfort and prevent healing.
Rest
A surgery in mouth can lead to pain and swelling, which can cause a lot of discomfort. Allow the body to focus on healing rather than using the energy to do other activities. Take complete rest for the next four days.
Avoid talking a lot and do not do unnecessary workout. Allow the mouth to form the scab to protect the socket, so that the swelling and pain will reduce. Lie down and get good rest. Do a little walking if you need some activity.