Dry Socket

12 Home Remedies to Get Relieve from Dry Socket

What is a Dry Socket?

A dry socket is a common difficulty that arises after removal of the tooth and is characterized by critical pain. It occurs when the blood clot in the hollow cavity, which is formed because of tooth extraction, gets dissolved leaving the nerve and bone exposed to fluids, food and air. Dry socket is also known as alveolar osteitis.

How do you get dry socket?

The blood clot that forms after extraction of the tooth is vital for optimal protection of nerves and bones, lying underneath. Dissolving of blood clot due to any reason puts a stop to normal healing and causes dry socket or alveolar osteitis. Contamination, infection, soreness, bacteria, trauma, and oestrogen demolish the blood clot, leaving an exposed unfilled opening. It is, therefore, imperative to curtail the risk factors to avoid the problem of dry socket, as much as possible.

Symptoms of Dry Socket

Various signs and symptoms to identify the problem of dry socket are:

• Relentless pain 3-4 days after tooth extraction
• Visibility of exposed bones
• An empty socket at the location of tooth extraction
• Partial or complete loss of blood clot
• Radiating pain from the socket to eye, ear, or neck on the same side from where, the tooth has been extracted
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Slight fever
• Constant foul smell or bad breath from the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes around the jaw and neck

Who are more prone to dry socket?

Some people are at greater risk of getting dry socket than others. These people include, who:

• have poor oral hygiene
• smoke
• have greater distress during the tooth extraction surgery
• have wisdom teeth removed
• use birth control pills
• have a history of dry socket

Home Remedies for Dry Socket

1. Clove Oil
Clove oil has proved to be an effective treatment for dry socket. It can be applied directly on the dry socket with the help of a cotton swab. To decrease the sting of clove, first soak the cotton ball in the water and then, dip it in the clove oil. Now, apply it on the dry socket. You can also apply it on the neighbouring aching teeth. Do it once or twice throughout a day.
2. Saline Water
Gargling with lukewarm water and salt also provide relief from the pain of dry socket.
3. Yogurt
Consume yogurt a lot as it works as a natural antibiotic.
4. Ice Pack
To prevent the jaws from swelling, use ice pack on the dry socket.
5. Cold Tea Bag
Take a cold tea bag and press it with the help of your teeth on the region, which is suffering intensely with pain. The tannic acid present in the tea relieves the pain. This is an effective home treatment for dry socket.
6. Turmeric Solution
Rinsing of mouth with a pinch of turmeric in lukewarm water also provides relief from the pain of dry socket.
7. Paste of Dry Salt, Turmeric and Mustard Oil
The herbal paste of turmeric, dry salt, and mustard oil can be applied directly on the affected area. This gives immense relief and is considered to be one of the excellent home remedies. It also helps in keeping good dental health.
8. Gauze
You can nibble a damp piece of gauze to prevent saliva and air to expose directly to the dry socket as they are known to intensify the pain.
9. Peroxide Solution
Rinse your mouth with peroxide solution to get an instant relief from pain. Remember not to swallow the solution.
10. Valerian Root
Valerian root is considered to be one of the best natural tranquilizers. It relieves the patient from excessive pain, anxiety, and stress, caused due to the dry socket. It also speeds up the healing process.
11.Lemon and Salt
The mixture of salt and lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and prevents further infection in the dry socket. Apply this mixture on the gums. You can also drink fresh lemon juice. Lemon is a rich source of  Vitamin C that helps in quick healing of the problem.
12. Remain Hydrated
Intake plenty of liquid to keep yourself hydrated. It helps in preventing giddiness and pain, caused due to the dry socket.

Prevention from Dry Socket

Certain measures should be taken to prevent dry sockets. They are:

• Avoid the smoking.
• Avoid chewing tobacco.
• Maintain the oral hygiene to heal the problem of dental dry socket.
• Do not touch the wound with fingers and other objects.
• Keep yourself well hydrated.
• Rest well.
• Do not use straw for drinking any beverage.
• Eat soft food products.
• Do not overlook to take the complete course of antibiotics.
• Sleep with your head elevated.