When you sit down and really think about it, our teeth play a very important part in our lives.

The amount of people receiving dental treatment, not just in the UK but the world over, is phenomenal. But there are some occasions when the health of some people’s teeth is not quite up to scratch and is in fact very poor. This could be down to a number of dental problems including gingivitis, yellow teeth or even dry socket. The latter of which can prove to be incredibly painful.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket can occur after a tooth extraction. When a blood clot is removed from the area that has received surgery, this can expose the gum and many problems can materialise. When a socket causes pain due to the loss of blood exposing the open wound to the air, fluids (among many things) can cause a distasteful smell to come from the wound. This is unpleasant for both person themselves or the people around them.

So what factors contribute towards dry socket?

It’s important to follow the professional dental advice given after your procedure. Smoking and applying pressure to the area with your tongue can cause dry socket.

How can it be helped?

There are numerous ways to prevent dry socket. Staying away from cigarettes or other forms of smoking is a start, as is rinsing your mouth excessively. But if you are seeking a form of treatment, there are methods for this. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash and eating soft foods are just some of the ideas for treating dry socket, but there is always your trusty dentist for further tips.