In most cases, it is perfectly acceptable to indulge in a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine. However, it is a different story if you recently underwent a major dental treatment. In fact, it is the course of wisdom to avoid drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction for at least 7 – 10 days. Read on to learn why that is the case.
How Could Alcohol Affect Your Ability to Heal?
There are a couple of ways in which alcohol could adversely affect your recovery after a tooth extraction.
The first has to do with the blood clot that should form at your extraction site. The purpose of the clot is to protect the empty socket; it plays an important role in your body’s healing process. If it fails to form, you will end up with a painful condition known as dry socket, which can significantly slow down your recovery. Unfortunately, because alcohol is a blood thinner, it can interfere with clot formation and significantly increase your risk of dry socket.
The second way in which alcohol could impact your healing process is related to pain medication. Whether you receive a prescription for painkillers or use over-the-counter medications, you will probably need something to take the edge off of your discomfort while you are on the mend. Alcohol can cause dangerous interactions with painkillers, leading to issues like liver failure, impaired motor function, and more.
When Can You Start Drinking Alcohol Again?
For most patients, it is safe to resume alcohol consumption 7 – 10 days after a tooth extraction. However, it is important to keep in mind that people heal at different rates. Try to be patient with yourself and abstain from alcohol until any lingering soreness from your extraction has dissipated. At the very least, you should avoid alcohol until after your last dose of pain medication has worn off.
What Can You Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
Even though alcohol is off-limits after a tooth extraction, there are plenty of other things that you can drink for both nourishment and refreshment. Here are a few examples:
- Iced coffee and tea. You should steer clear of hot beverages because they could irritate your extraction site. However, you should feel free to enjoy iced coffee and tea. Green tea may be particularly beneficial because it can sometimes help to reduce bleeding after a tooth extraction.
- Broth and blended soups. You might not feel like doing much chewing doing the initial portion of your recovery period. Broth and blended soups can provide important nutrients and help to stave off hunger.
- Cold water. Water plays an important role in hydration, and its cold temperature can feel soothing for a sore mouth.
When you undergo a tooth extraction, you will be required to make some temporary changes to your routine. You will even have to say no to your favorite alcoholic drinks. Before you know it, though, you should once again be able to enjoy any beverage.
Meet the Practice
The large team of dentists and specialists at Wellesley Dental Group provide a comprehensive range of services to our community, including both regular tooth extractions and wisdom tooth extractions. If you have questions about what to expect after any procedure, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our office at 781-691-4914.