Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
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2-Step Home Remedy For Treating Dry Socket After Having Your Tooth Extracted
Jordan Arnold
If you are unfortunate enough to be one of the two to five percent of people to develop dry socket after tooth extractions, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms. If so, use the following two-step home remedy for alleviating the pain and helping the socket heal faster.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies and ingredients, which can be found in pharmacies, some department stores and natural health stores.
- Small glass or cup
- One-half cup of water
- Two tablespoons of sea salt
- 10 drops of chamomile essential oil
- Small saucer or bowl
- Two-inch by two-inch gauze pad
- 15 drops of peppermint oil
- Two tablespoons of aloe vera juice
Sea salt included in the first step helps kill off bacteria around the socket. It also helps reduce any bleeding from the gums, as well as relieves the pain. The chamomile essential oil also used in this treatment is a powerful antiseptic that flushes away and kills germs in the socket.
The peppermint oil used in the second step of the remedy serves as an antibacterial agent. It also helps reduce the pain by numbing the nerves of your gums, giving you almost instantaneous relief.
Aloe vera juice helps soothe the gums and add moisture to the dry socket. It also helps the gums heal faster, as well as alleviates the discomfort caused by the exposed nerves in the socket.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Mouth With A Homemade Mouthwash
The first step in this home remedy for your dry socket is to cleanse your mouth with a homemade mouthwash. To begin, mix together the water and sea salt, and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to give the salt time to dissolve. Once the salt has dissolved, stir in the drops of chamomile essential oil.
Rinse your mouth with half of the mixture, paying particular attention to the area around the dry socket. After about a minute, spit out the mouthwash, and repeat with the second half of the liquid for an additional minute. Once you have spit out the second half, go on to the next step.
Step 2: Apply An Herbal Compress On The Area
After you have rinsed and cleansed your mouth, this next step involves placing an herbal compress over the dry socket. This compress helps relieve your pain and lubricates the socket, helping to keep it coated for protection against germs, air and food that could cause an increase in your pain.
To begin, pour the aloe vera juice into the bowl or saucer. Then, add the peppermint oil, mixing it thoroughly with the end of a cotton swab or a clean spoon.
Place the gauze pad in the liquid, and give it about five minutes to fully soak it up. Then, fold the gauze in half and carefully place it over your socket.
To keep the gauze in place, gently bite down on it. However, do not bite too hard or grind your teeth during the treatment. The fibers in the gauze could irritate the inflamed tissues of your gums.
Keep the gauze pad over the socket for about 15 minutes, then remove it. Do not rinse your mouth, and avoid eating or drinking anything to give the ingredients extra time to soak into the area.
Using the above home treatment three times a day should help relieve your discomfort. However, if your symptoms start to worsen or do not improve, you may want to contact the dentist who performed your tooth extraction to discuss your treatment options.
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