Dry sockets affect a person after they have had a tooth extracted by an Oral Surgeon in Mount Vernon IL. They occur when the scab that forms in the space where the tooth was removed detaches and the nerve endings become irritated. Fortunately, in most cases, dry sockets can be avoided. Here are some easy ways to avoid this problem and let the mouth heal in peace.
Keep Clean But Follow The Rules
While the mouth needs to be kept clean after the surgery, there are certain rules that must be followed. Absolutely nothing can be done to clean the mouth for the first 24 hours. This includes brushing, flossing, and even rinsing. The skin in the socket is far too delicate, and any actions like the aforementioned will not allow a scab to form, which is needed for proper healing.
After the initial 24 hours, an Oral Surgeon in Mount Vernon IL says very gentle brushing can occur with care being taken not to touch the affected area. Also, very gentle rinsing is permissible but flossing is not yet allowed. When rinsing the mouth, it should be done with salt water every two hours and also after each time a meal is eaten.
Say Hello To Aqua
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, but also make sure those fluids are nothing but water. This means no soda, no coffee, no alcohol and nothing in between. Just pure water should be ingested for the first few days. Also, do not use a straw when drinking until the mouth has healed as the sucking action can act to remove the scab and the patient is back to square one in regards to healing.
Stay Soft
Only foods that are soft should be eaten for the first few days. Hard or crunchy food can break up the scab and, again, put the patient back at the beginning of the healing process.
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