Alcohol After Tooth Extraction: When is it Safe to Drink?

It is recommended to avoid alcohol after tooth extraction for at least 24 hours.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

During wisdom teeth removal surgery, the surrounding bone is traumatised. Blood vessels are injured, and bleeding results. In normal healing, a clot is formed. This clot later provides a framework for the growth of immature bone cells.

Adverse effects of alcohol on clot formation affect the bone healing process and are not recommended following dental surgery. Resuming alcohol too early is not good for the immune system and, consequently, for your oral health. If the site does not heal well, granulation tissue or scar tissue may form rather than heal nicely.

Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction?

Teeth can be hopeless and require extraction due to decay, gum disease, if they are broken, or if they suffer from particular pathologies such as root resorption.

If surrounding gum tissue is inflamed, it may require orthodontic treatment to remove potential risks involved; however, some wisdom teeth may require the tooth extracted to fix the problem.

Can You Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

Consuming alcohol can impact blood clot formation and impact the early formation of immature bone within the tooth socket.

If you consume alcohol within the first 24 hours, you may prevent the formation of a blood clot and impede the healing process.

How Long Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol After Tooth Extraction?

Do not consume any alcohol for at least the first 24 hours. Then keep it to a minimum for the first 7 days of healing.

Depending on which antibiotics have been prescribed, it may be safe to consume a limited amount of alcohol after 24 hours.

It is recommended to drink lots of water and stay hydrated, but do not drink through a straw because it can create positive pressures within your mouth.

Foods & Drinks to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

Hot, spicy, and acidic drinks can be harmful to the surgical site and increase potential risks for delayed healing and decrease the chance of a successful recovery.

Best alternative drinks to have instead include water, apple juice, or cold tea.

Post-Operative Care Tips for a Speedy Recovery

Best practices for healing quickly and avoiding a dry socket are to follow the dentist's aftercare instructions. Avoid tobacco products, avoid spitting, and gently rinse to remove food particles until fully healed. Drinking plenty of water is recommended following surgery.

Do not combine alcohol with tobacco products.

Use a cold compress or ice pack to best assist healing of the surgical area and avoid painful conditions requiring additional treatment.

How to Clean Your Mouth Without Disrupting the Healing process

Clean teeth normally with a toothbrush and interproximal cleaning with floss, and resume normal activities when possible. Don't dislodge the blood clot with alcohol use, and follow the dentist's instructions. Eat nutritious food, decrease alcohol consumption, and perform proper care in order to heal faster. This will aid in the recovery process, avoid severe pain, and assist the body's natural healing process after a tooth is removed.

Can I Use Mouthwash After Tooth Extraction?

Yes, but don't wash your mouth vigorously. Saltwater can reduce swelling and promote healing and help prevent complications following a surgical extraction or simple extraction.

FAQs

Can I Drink Alcohol If I'm Taking Painkillers?

Pain relief medications can often interact with alcohol after tooth extraction. Paracetamol and alcohol do not interact well.

What If I Already Drank Alcohol After Surgery?

Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours and stay away from your alcohol cabinet for 7 days if possible.

Does Alcohol Increase the Risk of Dry Socket?

Proper healing is impeded by alcohol consumption. It is best to avoid alcohol after a tooth extraction for a smooth, stress-free recovery and a healthy mouth.

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

In order to heal best after your tooth is removed, follow instructions from your oral surgeon and care for the extraction site. For a few hours, apply mild pressure to the site and apply a cold compress extraorally. Consume soft foods for a few days and keep your mouth as clean as possible. Take antibiotics as prescribed and painkillers as required.