"Drink Beer, Feel the Joy" - a phrase only alcoholics understand. If you're an alcoholic and have had a tooth pulled, you should think twice. A common question is: Can I drink alcohol after a tooth extraction? The answer, in one word: No.
But there's good news. There are some alternatives to alcohol. These alternatives are discussed in the last part of this article. So buckle up, as we explain everything you need to know about it.
Alcohol Consumption After a Tooth Extraction - What Can Happen?
One of three things can occur:
1. Dry Socket:
After a tooth extraction, healing of the socket is crucial. This means the socket needs to close by forming new bone. The new bone is formed by blood that collects in the socket - the so-called blood clot. Certain habits like smoking or alcohol consumption can disrupt this process. The result is delayed healing and severe pain (dry socket).
2. Toxicity:
Mild to moderate pain is normal after a tooth extraction. For this purpose, your dentist may recommend certain painkillers. Painkillers like aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, or naproxen react with alcohol. This reaction can lead to stomach discomfort and subsequently ulcers and bleeding. If you continue taking these medications along with alcohol, you might end up in the ICU, and nobody wants that. Or do they? Think about it the next time you consider having an alcoholic drink.
3. Risk of Infection:
According to the National Library of Medicine, the risk of infection after a wisdom tooth extraction is between 10 to 25%. That doesn't sound like much, but it's real. Dentists prescribe antibiotics to avoid the risk of infection after a tooth extraction. If you are an alcoholic, the dentist cannot prescribe effective antibiotics like metronidazole. The likelihood of infection then becomes very high.
So, can you drink alcohol after a wisdom tooth extraction? You know the answer - a clear no!
Why Alcohol Delays Healing After Tooth Extraction?
Alcohol consumption after tooth extraction delays healing a lot.
Alcohol Leads to Blood Thinning
After extraction, a clot of blood forms in the socket to cover the tissues and heal them. Alcohol causes blood thinning, preventing the clot from stabilizing, and this can result in complications like a dry socket where the clot can be dislodged or dissolved prematurely, which causes pain.
Alcohol Leads to Dehydration
In addition, alcohol dries out the body fluids; hence, it reduces saliva production. Saliva is essential for oral health as it removes bacteria and lubricates tissues. A dry mouth creates a breeding ground for bacteria that slows down healing and increases susceptibility to infection.
Interaction with Other Medications
Painkillers and antibiotics that are normally administered after extractions may react with alcohol and cause irritation of the stomach, ulcers, or a decreased response. These risks necessitate the need to abstain from alcohol during recovery.
Timeline for Drinking Alcohol After Tooth Extraction
Can I Drink Alcohol 24 Hours After a Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it is recommended not to drink alcohol until the wound has healed, which is after 5 to 7 days. However, if you plan to drink alcohol within 24 hours after the extraction, you should drink plenty of water. Because alcohol thins the blood and dehydrates the body. This not only leads to a dry mouth but can also cause tooth decay and gum disease. Besides staying well-hydrated, you should avoid high-proof drinks like red wine, whiskey, scotch, and brandy. Instead, beer or a low-alcohol cocktail can be consumed.
Can I Drink Alcohol after 72 hours of Tooth Extraction?
Three days may not seem like so long, yet consuming alcohol within 72 hours after a tooth extraction is not encouraged. The clot protecting the tooth extraction site forms and stabilizes during this stage. Alcohol intake may interfere with this process. A dry socket often occurs, creating excruciating pain and increasing the recovery period. Alcohol also dehydrates, making the process of healing less effective. Drink water and wait a little longer to be fully recovered.
Can I Drink Alcohol 5 Days After Tooth Extraction?
On the fifth day, the extraction site is showing signs of healing, such as reduced swelling or pain. It is still dangerous to drink alcohol, even at this stage, because it will risk inflicting damage on your body, especially if healing is slow. Alcohol will irritate the gums and tissue around the gums, which could delay healing or cause infection. If drinking cannot be avoided, it is safer to stick to low-alcohol options like a diluted beer or spritzer, but even this should be approached with caution.
Can I Drink Alcohol 1 Week After Tooth Extraction?
Most basic extractions heal well within a week, and you are not likely to experience significant damage if you start with moderate drinking. Individual healing times vary, though, and more complex extractions, such as wisdom teeth, can take a bit longer. You should first check with your dentist if you intend to drink again, especially if you feel some discomfort or swelling.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Drink Alcohol?
The general rule of thumb is to avoid alcohol for at least 5–7 days after simple extraction and longer after the extraction of wisdom teeth. However, forgetfulness may get the better of you, and you may unwittingly have a drink. What happens then?
If you have accidentally ingested alcohol after tooth extraction, do not panic, but you should take steps immediately to reduce the damage that might be caused. Alcohol interferes with the formation of the blood clot at the extraction site. It can also irritate the sensitive tissues and worsen swelling or bleeding.
To minimize any damage, cease drinking alcohol immediately and drink water to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol. If your dentist has suggested rinsing with warm salt water, do this gently to help clean the area and reduce bacteria. Avoid swishing vigorously, as this may dislodge the blood clot.
Monitor the extraction site for any signs of complications, such as severe pain, swelling, prolonged bleeding, or foul odour. In case of such symptoms, get in touch with your dentist for advice. This may help in preventing the worsening complication.
Which Alcoholic Beverages Are Less Risky While Undergoing Recovery?
If you’re considering drinking alcohol during recovery, it’s vital to approach the decision cautiously and only after the healing period recommended by your dentist. Low-alcohol options, such as light beer or diluted cocktails, are less likely to irritate the sensitive tissues around the extraction site. These beverages should be consumed in moderation and paired with plenty of water to minimize dehydration.
However, stronger alcoholic drinks like whiskey, vodka, or acidic beverages like red wine should be strictly avoided. Their harsh nature can irritate the wound and prolong healing. Finally, patience and abstinence are the safest choices for optimal recovery.
What Can I Drink After a Tooth Extraction? - Alternatives to Alcohol
Alternative drinks that can be consumed after a tooth extraction include:
- Milk
- Apple juice
- Ginger extract
- Water
Whichever drink you choose, drink it from a cup. Drinking with a straw can negatively impact the healing process. Also, avoid adding too much sugar to the drinks mentioned above, as this can lead to further dental problems.
What Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
Choose healthy, soft, and easily digestible foods. Some of these foods include:
- Cooked and pureed vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas
- Greek yogurt - as it is a rich source of protein and other minerals
- Smoothies made from fruits like bananas, mangoes, and strawberries
Oral Care After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, the dentist gives a set of instructions. For proper healing, it is important to follow the "7-point formula." The reason for this 7-point formula is that it prevents the formation of blood clots and avoids dry socket and other dental problems.
1. Bite on the piece of gauze/cotton for 1 hour after the tooth extraction.
2. Discard the cotton after an hour and do not put it back in unless there is heavy bleeding.
3. Avoid drinking fluids with a straw.
4. Do not spit for 24 hours after a tooth extraction.
5. Maintain careful oral hygiene, i.e., brush your teeth twice a day with an electric sonic toothbrush. Oclean offers a range of smart toothbrushes that suit different needs. You can try these too.
6. Eat soft food on the opposite side of the extraction site.
7. Regular follow-up for the period specified by the dentist. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice signs of excessive bleeding within 24 hours after the extraction.
Conclusion
After a tooth extraction, oral hygiene is paramount. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and following the "7-point formula" mentioned in the article.
It is not advisable to continue drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction, whether it's a wisdom tooth extraction or another tooth extraction. Dry sockets, infections, and other complications can occur if alcohol consumption is not stopped. Once the wound has healed, you can drink alcohol again. Some foods and drinks that can be used as alternatives have already been mentioned."