After a tooth extraction, patients often experience pain and food stuck in the wisdom tooth socket. This is known as dry socket and can lead to severe dental problems. The good news is that there are several ways to get the food out of the wisdom tooth socket and speed up healing.
Rinsing With Salt Water
Using salt water to rinse with can help remove food particles and prevent infection. Mix 1/2 tsp of salt with 8 oz of warm water and gently swish. Repeat as needed until the food is dislodged. You can also use a water flosser on low pressure to clean around the area without irritating it.
Avoiding Vigorous Mouth Motions
Spitting, sucking through a straw and smoking can all disturb the blood clot that has formed in the wisdom tooth hole to heal. These can cause pain, sensitivity, and delay the wound closure.
Brushing Around the Site
It is important to brush as usual but be gentle around the extraction site. You can also use an oral irrigator or water flosser on a low pressure to clean the area without irritating it. This will help to reduce inflammation and debris in the area. Ultimately, you should continue to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day in order to keep the area as clean as possible and avoid getting food stuck. This will also prevent the wisdom tooth hole from becoming irritated and painful as the site heals.