If you are scheduled to have wisdom teeth extraction, you may have already heard of dry socket. Dry socket is an excruciating condition in which the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, leaving the nerves exposed to the air. If you want to avoid dry socket, don't make the three following mistakes.

Smoking

Smoking is a harmful practice for a number of reasons, but it can be particularly harmful when you have a wisdom tooth removed. The substances in tobacco can cause inadequate flow of blood to the extraction site, causing the clot to form more slowly than it would otherwise. Not only that, but the act of sucking on a cigarette is one of the easiest ways to dislodge the blood clot. Your dentist is likely to suggest that you have no cigarettes at all for about a day after your wisdom tooth is removed so that the site can heal properly.

To avoid dry socket, think about stopping your tobacco habit before you even have your wisdom tooth taken out. Try to cut back in the days leading up to the procedure, so that you will be able to abstain from smoking while your mouth is healing.

Taking Certain Medications

Certain medications you might be taking can cause problems for you after your wisdom tooth is removed, particularly anticoagulants like heparin and coumadin. If you are taking such an anticoagulant medication, it may prevent a blood clot from forming, which means you are more likely to experience dry socket after your wisdom tooth is taken out.

Anticoagulants are not the only medications that you need to beware of. Blood thinners can also be a problem. Talk to your dentist about all the medications you are currently taking, so that the dentist can prepare the right recovery plan for you to avoid dry socket.

Vigorous Exercise

If you are engaging in vigorous exercise programs like cardio workouts, you may accidentally dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site. Sudden movements and biting down in the wrong way can put you at risk for dry socket, and exercise might cause you to do those things. The dentist will probably recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two after your wisdom tooth is removed, so that there are no accidents that cause dry socket to occur.

Avoid the errors in this article, and you will be able to avoid dry socket. Talk to your dentist for more ideas about what to do after the procedure, and ensure that you recover easily from your wisdom tooth extraction.