When you have one or more of your wisdom teeth pulled, you want to make sure you follow all of the aftercare instructions given to you from the dentist, no matter how ridiculous you may feel some of them are. For example, you may see no logical reason why you shouldn't be able to drink from a straw. However, there is actually a very good reason for not doing so. When you do a sucking motion like you would to drink through a straw, it can cause the blood clot that has formed in the socket to come loose. If this happens, you can experience a dry socket, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. Here are more things you should know about dry sockets, so you can hopefully avoid dealing with them.

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged. It's important for you to do everything you can to keep this clot in place. It is there to prevent further bleeding, to keep you more comfortable through the healing process and to help cut down on the number of germs that can get way down in the socket. This clot is your sockets number one line of defense with regards to full-socket protection.

What happens if you get a dry socket?

Along with the increased concerns about bleeding and infection setting in, you will also have other things to worry about. A dry socket is not a pleasant thing to end up with and it is known for being extremely painful. If you avoid a dry socket, then the recovery from having a wisdom tooth pulled won't be that bad. However, once you end up with a dry socket, you can expect to suffer from a lot of pain. If you have a dry socket, then you want to make sure you get back in to see the dentist as soon as you can, so they can help you.

What are some of the things that can cause a dry socket?

As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, drinking out of a straw can lead to a dry socket. However, there are also other things that can cause a dry socket. Smoking can also cause a dry socket, since you will do that same sucking motion to take a hit. Also, you should avoid drinking anything carbonated, since these drinks can also dislodge the clot and cause a dry socket. Rinsing your mouth out gently with warm salt water can actually help you to decrease your chances of suffering from a dry socket.

Visit a family dental care clinic to learn more.