Under average circumstances, it is perfectly okay to enjoy an occasional adult beverage. However, it is a different story for people who have recently undergone a major dental treatment, such as a tooth extraction. Is it okay to drink alcohol after getting a tooth removed? This blog post explains why you should wait at least 7 – 10 days after your procedure before you incorporate alcohol back into your diet.
Alcohol Can Interfere with Blood Clotting
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot should begin to form at the extraction site. The clot’s purpose is to protect the empty socket; it plays an important role in the body’s healing process. Unfortunately, alcohol thins the blood and can interfere with the formation of a blood clot.
If no blood clot forms, you will suffer from a complication known as dry socket. Dry socket can be excruciatingly painful and delay your full recovery from your extraction procedure.
Alcohol Can Interact with Pain Medications
Dentists commonly prescribe pain medications after a tooth extraction. Even if you do not receive a prescription, you will still likely take over-the-counter medications to ease your discomfort. Unfortunately, alcohol can interact with pain relievers and cause dangerous side effects. In some cases, such interactions can be life-threatening.
When Can You Start Drinking Alcohol Again?
In most cases, it is safe to start drinking alcohol again 7 – 10 days after a tooth extraction. However, it is important to keep in mind that people heal at varying rates. Be patient with yourself and wait until all the soreness from your procedure is gone. At the very least, you should abstain from alcohol until are no longer taking painkillers.
What Can You Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
Alcohol should be off-limits during the days after your extractions. However, there are plenty of other tasty and refreshing beverages that you should feel free to enjoy. Here are a few examples:
- Iced coffee and tea. You should avoid hot drinks because they can irritate your extraction site. However, iced options can be delicious and invigorating. An iced green tea could even support your body’s healing process.
- Broth and smooth soups. Liquid foods can be a great source of nutrients during the initial part of your recovery, when you may not feel up to chewing anything.
- Cold water. Cold water can ease your oral discomfort and help your body to stay hydrated so it can heal as efficiently as possible.
Getting a tooth extracted will necessitate that you temporarily avoid alcohol. Before you know it, though, you should once again be able to indulge in your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail.
Meet the Practice
Here at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, our team proudly provides oral health services, including extractions, to the Belmont community. If you have questions about what to expect during the recovery period after a procedure, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our office at 603-556-7047.