Safe - Advice for my gum post extraction.

[MissAnonymous]

I had a wisdom tooth out 5 days ago and it was very infected at the time [oozing pus and very painful/swollen, jaw wasn't opening well] so I was given 5 days of anti-biotics post extraction.

My problem is that the socket [although not bleeding any more] is very much a hole still and food is getting trapped in there. As my anti-biotics are now over [as of tomorrow morning] I am concerned it will become infected again.

I have tried to wash out my mouth, but the food is still stuck in there... rather gross but I can only scrape little bits out with my finger/tongue..

How can I get the food out or protect it from infection? I really really want the pain and repeated infections over with!

Any ideas?

[Dreamergirl]

my doctor gave me a syringe, not a sharp one, and had me fill it with a water and salt solution and used that to flush it out, along with rinsing. i would give your doctor a call and ask they will have the best ideas.

[fragile as glass]

Ring your dentist today and explain the problem. He may be able to give you advice that saves you going back in but be prepared to pop back in for a professional clean. And please do as HE ADVISES and not what you reckon will be okay!

You need to eat and drink and (please don't hit me for what I'm about to say) I'm concerned that you may end up using your dental problems as a reason not to eat and drink properly.

[effervescence]

Yup, contact dentist and until then do warm salt water soaks to help clean the hole and prevent infection. About a quarter teaspoon sea salt in a cup of warm water and swirl it around the hole as much as you can, twice or three times a day.