You may have a dry socket, a problem that’s making you feel miserable. You might have it even if you don’t know it yet. Or you could have it and not even know it. The good news is that there are ways to tell if you have a dry socket or not. Once you figure out whether or not it’s affecting your life, the next step is to call a doctor and get some medicine. But what if you don’t feel like going to the doctor? What if the pain’s too great and you don’t want to face talking to a healthcare professional about your worries? In this article, we answer these questions as well as explain when to stop worrying and call a doctor if you have a dry socket.
When can I stop worrying about dry sockets?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with dry sockets and take appropriate precautions. If you are experiencing any changes in your hearing or vision, please consult a doctor or medical professional.
What Is A Dry Socket?
- A dry socket is an infection of the socket or the area where your tooth sits in the jawbone. It can occur after a tooth is pulled or after a dental procedure, such as a root canal. Dry socket is often accompanied by toothache and pain in the face, neck, and ears. If left untreated, it can damage the jawbone and lead to further problems such as bone infections and jaw fractures.
- Toothache – Toothache occurs when bacteria from plaque accumulate under your gum line. When you accidentally bite down on a tooth that’s sensitive to cold or pressure, plaque on your teeth can break down into acid that eats away at your gums. The acid may also enter other areas of the mouth such as below your tongue, which causes pain and swelling of tissue (gingivitis). If you have a dry socket due to this condition, it’s called pericoronitis.
- Tooth extraction – If you need to have a tooth removed by an oral surgeon or dentist because of decay or infection, then a dry socket may be present at the time of surgery.
When To Stop Worries And Call A Doctor?
- The pain is severe and the area becomes red, swollen, and painful. You should immediately call your dentist or oral surgeon who will likely want to complete a treatment plan for you. They’ll likely want to start you on antibiotics as well as a special mouth rinse that is made for people with dry sockets.
- You notice other symptoms such as jaw swelling, ear pain, vision changes, and a sore throat. Oftentimes sudden pain on one side of the face can be associated with a dry socket. Call your doctor so he can confirm that this is the case and advise you on what to do next
- The pain decreases after 24 hours of treatment with oral rinses and antibiotics from your doctor’s office (no change in pain) or no improvement after 3 days of treatment (still not feeling better).
What To Do If You Have Dry Socket?
- Eat yogurt! This helps the mouth and the body. Yogurt contains probiotics, which benefit digestion and help build up the body’s immune system. You can buy yogurt that contains probiotics in your grocery store or you can make it at home.
- The second way to support good oral health is to drink plenty of water. Water is one of your best natural remedies for problems with dry sockets because it helps wash away any bacteria that may be left from a sore in the gums, or from not flossing regularly. The more you drink, the better your mouth will feel!
- Try honey mixed with warm water for a soothing effect on inflammation and pain – use this two to three times a day (or 1-2 teaspoons mixed in with other food). The antibacterial properties of honey soothe plaque, while simultaneously providing soothing relief to painful dry socket gums!
- Warm salt water – Add 1/2 cup of sea salt to 2 cups of warm water (or use sea salt lozenges if you don’t have access to warm water). Gargle with this remedy twice a day or as directed by your doctor when using antibiotics or other medication that requires an oral rinse
The Side Effects Of Medication For Dry Socket?
- There are a few medications you can take to help you feel better, but they can have side effects as well. If you are taking medication for dry socket and experience side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, call your doctor immediately.
- Dry Socket Medications – Antibiotics and other medications that are prescribed to treat a dry socket infection will also cause many of the same symptoms like dry mouth and cracked lips. Adding some extra friendly bacteria to the mix can make all the difference between a dry mouth and be able to eat healthy foods with little or no problem – so try adding yogurt or honey before bedtime!
- Antihistamines cause drowsiness as well, so avoid taking them if you plan on driving soon after swallowing them – ask your doctor about alternatives if you need a stronger anti-itch medication
- Antihistamines can also cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and eye irritation – try using a humidifier while undergoing antibiotics or antihistamine treatment
- You can also take a small ziplock bag of ice to your mouth as often as needed.
Stay Well Checklist
- Avoid heavy weight lifting or straining when you have a dry socket. You could be putting unnecessary strain on your gums, which can cause more pressure in the socket and increase the chances of the pain getting worse.
- If you have a dry socket, try to avoid drinking alcoholic or sugary drinks for 24-48 hours after a sore develops in your mouth (especially soda) – both can increase swelling in your gums and decrease healing time – so stick to water!
- Try using a small ziplock bag of ice cubes to place directly on the sore area as often as needed – this can reduce irritation and swelling that could otherwise occur during times of increased pain
- If you have a dry socket, try brushing your teeth regularly with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing every day
- Skip chewing sugar-free gum if at all possible; sugar-free gum contains xylitol which is a natural sugar substitute and one of the most toxic substances humans ingest (it’s also known as a deadly poison that causes symptoms such as hallucinations). Xylitol is also known to cause inflammation, contractions in blood vessels causing headaches, rapid heartbeat and water retention – meaning it’s not good for oral health!
- Try drinking 5 cups of water per day or add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to each cup for extra support (sea salt is known for its antibacterial properties)
- Drinking enough water is an important factor when it comes to healing dry sockets – you don’t want to be dehydrated, as this can cause your body to signal pain in order to get more water into your system
When dealing with sore-filled and swollen gum, avoid using your jaws. Position the area of your jaw and gums for the most comfortable sucking session, eating and talking just in case a soothe is necessary. To avoid dry socket or inflammation altogether, find an office-based oral health specialist you can immediately see when dry socket strikes or becomes a constant problem to manage!