Are you Suffering from Dry Socket?

Dry Socket is a rare condition that occurs after a tooth has been pulled. Dry socket is painful and should be treated by your dentist as quickly as possible.

So what is Dry Socket?

According to Colgate, some discomfort is expected after a tooth extraction. However, if you have intense pain that doesn’t want to go away, you could be suffering from alveolar osteitis or dry socket.

Only about two to five percent of patients will develop the condition, which is very uncomfortable, but treatable.

The hole that is left from the tooth will form a blood clot in the socket to protect the nerves and the bone underneath. Occasionally that blood clot can dissolve or become dislodged after the tooth has been pulled. This leaves the nerves and the bone exposed to fluids, food particles, and air. This can lead to pain and infection.

Who gets Dry Socket?

Some people are more likely to be affected by dry socket after a tooth extraction including: 

• Smokers
• People who practice poor oral hygiene
• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Greater than usual tooth trauma during surgery
• Birth control pill use
• History of dry socket after extractions
• Rinsing, spitting and sipping through a straw can also raise your risk of dry socket 

Dry Socket Symptoms

Check out the extraction site. If you don’t see a blood clot and see a white colored bone, it’s time to see your dentist. Other symptoms of dry socket include: 

• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Pain 

How is it treated?

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and will remove any debris before filling the hole with medication to promote healing. You will probably be asked to come back for dressing changes until the socket has healed and your pain has diminished.

If you are having a tooth pulled, or have recently had an extraction that isn’t healing properly, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Basic Oral Hygiene Tips

Basic oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums, which in turn are essential for a healthy body, but if you are one of those people who seem to be spending every spare minute in the dentist’s chair, there may be one or two things that you aren’t doing properly when it comes to oral hygiene.

Everyone knows that you should brush and floss every day, but using a mouthwash and watching what you eat always plays a big part in your overall oral health.

Brushing

According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, you should brush twice each day using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use a fluoride gel or paste and be sure and brush at a 45-degree angle for at least two minutes using a soft bristled toothbrush. Replace your brush every two to three months or when it begins to wear.

Don’t brush too hard or you could damage your gum tissue. Brush behind your teeth and don’t forget your tongue. Your tongue is loaded with bacteria that could cause bad breath. Check for red or swollen gums while you brush and if you bleed, call and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry.

Flossing

The American Dental Association explains that flossing is just as important as brushing. Curve around and floss in between each tooth. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you floss before you brush to remove the food and debris so that it can be brushed away.

Mouthwash

The mouthwashes that are approved by the American Dental Association can get rid of gingivitis and whiten your teeth. There are mouthwashes with fluoride and mouth rinses with anti-plaque ingredients. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you rinse after flossing and brushing for at least 30 seconds. Just like brushing for two minutes, rinsing for 30 seconds or more helps wash away any leftover debris while killing germs and bacteria.

Diet

When it comes to basic oral hygiene, Gentle Touch recommends that you enjoy a healthy diet as well. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and include a daily dose of calcium rich foods such as fish and dairy products into your diet. Calcium helps protect your bones and the enamel on your teeth.

Checkups

Regular dental checkups are right up there with the rest of the basic dental health care tips. See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and a comprehensive dental checkup that includes an oral cancer screening. If you are prone to gum disease or tooth decay, have diabetes, or suffer from a systemic disease you may want to visit Gentle Touch Family Dentistry more frequently.

If you would like more information regarding basic dental health care or would like to schedule an appointment with GentleTouch Family Dentistry, call or click now.