"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!
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.
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 Oclean 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."