Having a tooth extracted is sometimes necessary to protect your oral health, but the healing process requires special care. One of the most common complications after extraction is dry socket, a painful condition that happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site becomes dislodged or fails to form properly. Without this clot, the bone and nerves are exposed, leading to intense discomfort and delayed healing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to greatly reduce your risk. Here are 5 tips for preventing dry socket after tooth extraction.
1. Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions Closely
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to do—and what to avoid—after your extraction. These guidelines are specifically designed to help you heal properly and avoid complications like dry socket. This may include when to change gauze, how to clean your mouth, and which foods to eat during recovery. Skipping or ignoring these instructions increases your risk of infection and poor healing.
2. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking is one of the leading causes of dry socket. The act of inhaling creates suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products interfere with healing and increase your chances of infection. If possible, avoid smoking entirely before and after your extraction. If quitting long-term feels difficult, try to at least refrain for several days after the procedure.
3. Be Careful with Eating and Drinking
The food and beverages you consume in the days following your extraction play a major role in healing. Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (with a spoon, not a straw), and scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods that can irritate the extraction site. Also, never use a straw for at least a week, as the sucking motion can pull the clot out of place and lead to dry socket.
4. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is important to prevent infection, but it’s crucial to do so gently. You should not brush directly over the extraction site for a few days. Instead, carefully brush the surrounding teeth and tongue while avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, which could disturb the clot. Your dentist may recommend rinsing gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours to keep the area clean without disrupting healing.
5. Manage Physical Activity
Strenuous activity can increase blood pressure and dislodge the clot prematurely. For at least 24–48 hours after your extraction, limit physical exertion. This means avoiding heavy lifting, running, or intense workouts. Resting allows your body to focus on healing and reduces the chance of dry socket developing.
A tooth extraction doesn’t have to lead to complications if you take the right precautions. By following your dentist’s instructions, avoiding tobacco, being mindful of your diet, practicing gentle oral hygiene, and taking it easy during recovery, you can minimize your risk of dry socket and heal comfortably. If you notice severe pain, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth after an extraction, contact your dentist right away—it could be a sign of dry socket that needs professional care.
About the Author
Dr. Brooke Appelhans is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. After graduating, she completed a General Practice Residency at OHSU, where she strengthened her general dental skills and ability to treat patients with special needs and complex medical conditions. If you have a troublesome tooth that needs extracting, trust Dr. Appelhans and our expert team to provide you with excellent care. Schedule an appointment online or call (503) 430-5096.