rather than any underlying gender predilection. The majority of dry sockets occur in individuals aged between 20 and 40 which is when most dental extractions occur, although for any given individual it is more likely to occur with increasing age. Other possible risk factors include periodontal disease, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, local bone disease, Paget's disease of bone, osteopetrosis, cemento-osseous dysplasia, a history of previously developing a dry socket with past extractions and inadequate oral hygiene. Other factors in the postoperative period that may lead to loss of the blood clot include forceful spitting, sucking through a straw, and coughing or sneezing. Etymology Alveolar refers to the alveolus, the alveolar processes of the mandible or maxilla; osteitis is derived from oste-, from Greek, osteon meaning "bone"; and -itis means a disease characterized by inflammation. Osteitis generally refers to localized inflammation of bone with no progression through marrow spaces (compare with osteomyelitis). Often, the term alveolar osteitis is considered synonymous with "dry socket", but some specify that dry socket is a focal or localized alveolar osteitis. An example of another type of osteitis is focal sclerosing/condensing osteitis. The name dry socket is used because the socket has a dry appearance once the blood clot is lost and debris is washed away. References External links Osteitis Jaw disorders