Dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, is an unpleasant complication that can occur after tooth extraction. This happens when the blood clot that forms at the site of the extraction fails to stay in place, leaving an exposed area of bone (the alveolar bone).
To minimize the risk of developing this condition, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. These include avoiding smoking, using straws, eating hard foods and rinsing your mouth too vigorously.
Avoid Straws
As plastic continues to take a toll on our planet, many cities are banning straws. These bans have been gaining momentum across the country and the world.
For example, Miami Beach recently banned plastic straws and stirrers at restaurants, sidewalk cafes and beaches. This will reduce the amount of plastic pollution in storm drains and waterways and on the beaches.
The city will spend the next several months educating businesses on the new regulation and helping them identify reusable alternatives. Those that violate the law will face fines of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second and $500 for the third.
Some schools, like Miami-Dade County Public Schools, are also making it a priority to eliminate plastic straws from utensil packets given out during meals. Administrators say they expect a cost savings when they negotiate a new contract with their current vendor for utensil packets.
Avoid Smoking
The city of Miami has a storied history with regard to the tobacco industry and its effects on the locals and tourists alike. For this reason, the city has made it a point to put forth a good effort in reducing exposure and helping smokers of all persuasions to quit for good. Aside from a well-stocked retail shop, the city also has a robust smoking cessation program in place that includes free and confidential help with quitting. The city has also launched an ad campaign to educate consumers on the dangers of smoke laced cigarettes and the latest in smokeless tobacco products.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Your mouth teems with bacteria that are mostly harmless, but the wrong kind can cause problems. This is because bacteria can enter the bloodstream and be absorbed into the rest of the body, leading to problems such as fatigue, pain, sickness, etc.
The best way to keep your mouth clean in Miami is to regularly brush and floss, which helps remove food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps keep your tongue free from bacteria that could contribute to bad breath.
Drinking water is another excellent tip for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Water not only helps rinse away food debris and irritants, but it also increases your saliva levels. Saliva is essential for your oral health, as it helps wash away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
