### Home Remedies for Dry Socket Relief Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, can occur after a permanent adult tooth is extracted. It happens when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort. Here are some home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms while you wait to see your oral surgeon: 1. **Warm Salt Water Rinse**: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish this around in your mouth for a minute or use it to flush out the dry socket with a syringe. Do this at least three times per day or after meals. 2. **Cold and Warm Compresses**: For the first 24 hours after extraction, use cold packs against your face for fifteen minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Afterwards, you can use warm washcloths to manage pain. Test each to see what works best for you. 3. **Clove Oil**: Clove oil contains eugenol, which has anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits. Apply clove oil to sterile gauze and place it on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. 4. **Honey**: Honey has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Apply raw honey to sterile gauze and place it directly on the affected area. Change the gauze every few hours if you keep it on consistently. 5. **Black Tea**: Black tea contains tannic acid, which acts as a natural antibacterial agent while reducing swelling and pain. Immerse a tea bag in boiling water for five minutes, let it cool, and then apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes. 6. **Tea Tree Oil**: Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with honey or black tea and apply it to sterile gauze before placing it over the dry socket. 7. **Oregano Oil**: Oregano oil has antibacterial benefits and may be effective against some drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Apply oregano oil directly to the area or put it on sterile gauze and leave it over your dry socket several times a day. 8. **Chamomile**: Chamomile has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Use chamomile tea bags like black tea bags. Place the tea bag in boiling water for five minutes, let it cool, and then apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes. 9. **Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. However, consult your dentist before taking any OTC medications, especially if you are already on prescribed pain medications. Avoid smoking, tobacco products, spicy foods, and alcoholic beverages as they can increase discomfort and delay healing. Stick to soft foods to avoid getting debris trapped in the socket. If symptoms persist or worsen, make another appointment with your dentist to explore other treatment options.