For most people, there is nothing wrong with having an occasional glass of wine, bottle of beer, or fancy cocktail. However, there are some circumstances that make it inadvisable to drink any alcohol at all. Is a tooth extraction one of them? This blog post discusses why (and how long) you should wait to drink alcohol after getting a tooth removed.
Alcohol Could Interfere with Your Recovery
There are two big reasons why you should not drink alcohol after a tooth extraction:
- Blood clot formation. After a tooth is removed, a blood clot should form at the extraction site. The clot is an important part of your body’s healing process. Unfortunately, alcohol can thin the blood and interfere with clot formation. You could end up with a painful complication known as dry socket.
- Pain medication. You may take prescription or over-the-counter pain medications following your procedure. Often, such medications can interact with alcohol and lead to dangerous side effects, such as liver problems and impaired motor function.
When Is It Safe to Drink?
For most people, it should be safe to drink 7 – 10 days after an extraction. At this point, you should be well along in your recovery. The blood clot should have fully formed, and you are unlikely to require pain medication anymore.
Of course, if you have any doubts about whether it is safe for you to indulge in alcohol, it is best to err on the side of caution. Wait as long as you need to so you can feel comfortable with your choices.
Tips for a Safe Recovery
Avoiding alcohol is just one step you should take to help your body heal after a tooth extraction. Here are some additional things you should do:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Stick to a soft diet.
- If you miss alcohol, try substituting with tasty non-alcoholic beverages, such as tea or mocktails (just be sure to keep an eye on your sugar intake).
- Do not smoke or use a drinking straw.
- Call your dentist if you run into any questions or concerns.
A tooth extraction can make it necessary for you to abstain from alcohol for a while. Before you know it, though, it should be safe for you to once again enjoy your favorite adult beverages (in moderation, of course!).
Meet the Practice
Dr. Keyvan Kar is a general dentist and prosthodontist who is proud to serve patients in the Allen area. He has many years of experience, and he is passionate about providing top-quality care. He performs gentle, comfortable tooth extractions for patients in need. If you have questions about what to expect during or after tooth removal, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Advanced Dental Care of Allen at 214-260-9911.