When a tooth is extracted, a hole is left in the jaw bone. To prevent food particles and fluids from reaching your bones and nerves, your body naturally forms a blood clot. When this blood clot becomes dislodged by excess rinsing, spitting or poor dental hygiene, a dry socket occurs. You can know that you have a dry socket by looking at the extraction site. If you see an opening with whitish bone instead of a dark colored blood clot, then you have a dry socket. Dry sockets can be extremely painful, and the depth and width of the hole will determine the amount of pain and inflammation that the socket will have. However, no matter the depth or width of the dry socket, it can be treated effectively with home remedies.

Clove Oil Remedy

Clove oil contains eugenol which is a powerful pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. You can use clove oil to treat a dry socket at home. Clove oil can be purchased at the pharmacy or health food store. Use the following steps to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by a dry socket.

1. Get a piece of cotton that will be small enough to fit into the socket.
2. Soak the cotton with clove oil.
3. Place the soaked cotton into the dry socket.
4. Soak a second piece of cotton in the clove oil.
5. Rub the oil from the cotton onto the gum area of teeth that are located on either side of the dry socket, since pain may sometimes filter over to these teeth.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 twice per day.

Cold Tea Bag Remedy

A cold tea bag can be used relieve the pain caused by a dry socket. The tannic acid that is in a green tea bag works like an antibiotic to quickly and effectively reduce any pain and swelling you may experience from a dry socket. Here are the instructions on how to use the cold tea bag remedy.

1. Get a green tea bag and place it in the freezer until it is cold but not frozen.
2. Place the tea bag unto the dry socket.
3. Bite down on the teabag to keep it in place.
4. Continue biting down for half an hour.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 two times per day.

Dry sockets can make life uncomfortable after an extraction, the pain and swelling they cause can make it difficult for you to go about your daily activities. It can also make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. Using clove oil or a cold teabag as soon as you realize that you have a dry socket is the best way to stop the pain and inflammation quickly.However, don't hesitate to contact dental professionals, such as the Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry, for help with dry sockets.