Why Can’t You Drink Alcohol After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its bone. Dentists perform it when a tooth has already been decayed. People experience discomfort during the procedure and may use alcohol for pain relief. But, Why Can’t You Drink Alcohol After Tooth Extraction? As it can result in problems like infection.

This blog will provide insight on reasons for avoiding alcohol after tooth extraction and tips that can help in stress-free recovery.

What All Is Involved in a Tooth Extraction?

Simple and surgical tooth extractions fall into two groups. Simple extractions often involve pulling out a noticeable tooth from your mouth. A surgical extraction is essential when a tooth has broken at the gum line or fails to erupt.

After tooth extraction, people must follow their dentist’s aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. These include:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Eating a soft diet
• Getting plenty of rest
• Avoiding alcohol

Can You Have Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

`NO’ is the answer. A blood clot must form in the extraction site after removing your tooth until granulation tissue does, which can take a week or more. You can get a dry socket if the blood cannot clot. It slows your healing process and requires additional follow-up appointments with your dentist.

Then how long should you hold off on getting a drink? It’s best to refrain from drinking alcohol for as long as your dentist advises following a tooth extraction. Wait till the wound has healed for about a week.

Before consuming alcohol, consider any painkillers you may be taking. It is risky to combine prescription and over-the-counter painkillers with alcohol since it may have adverse effects like nausea.

Risks of Alcohol After Tooth Extraction

Consuming alcohol after tooth extraction can increase the risk of complications that delay healing and cause discomfort. Some of the risks are:

Delayed Healing

Alcohol can make it more difficult for the body to heal. It inhibits the natural and necessary inflammatory processes and collagen production that wounds need to close. This can increase the risk of complications such as infection.

Adverse Effects of Anesthesia

Alcohol can interfere with the anesthesia used during tooth extraction, making it less effective or causing side effects such as vomiting or headache.

Alcohol Can Cause a Dry Socket

Alcohol causes dehydration. After tooth extraction, the body must produce a blood clot in the socket to protect the underlying bone and nerves and promote healing. Dehydration can cause the blood clot to dry and dislodge.

Bad Combo with Pain Medication

Alcohol can interact with pain medications that a dentist may prescribe after tooth extraction. It can raise the risk of harmful side effects and interactions, such as dizziness, nausea, and impaired judgment.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Recovery

To ensure a smooth and speedy recovery after tooth extraction, follow these tips:

• Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
• Consume soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as soups, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc.
• Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that irritate the wound or dislodge the blood clot.
• Apply ice packs to your cheek for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Elevate your head when lying down to prevent bleeding and swelling.
• After the procedure, carefully rinse your mouth with warm salt water to maintain the area clean and avoid infection.
• Brush your teeth carefully, but refrain from doing so for at least 72 hours after the extraction.
• Avoid using tobacco products or smoking because they might slow healing and raise the risk of infection and dry sockets.
• Avoid using a straw or spitting hard since these actions may cause the blood clot to break up and lead to a dry socket.
• Do not touch the wound with your tongue, fingers, or any other object, as they can introduce bacteria and cause infection.

What to Drink In Place Of Alcohol?

If you are craving a drink after tooth extraction, plenty of alternatives are safe and healthy for your recovery. Some of the options are:

• Water: Water is the best drink for tooth extraction as it keeps you hydrated, flushes out toxins, and prevents dry sockets.
• Herbal teas: Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger can soothe your throat and mouth and reduce inflammation and pain. Make sure the tea is lukewarm and not too hot.
• Fruit juices: Fruit juices such as apple, orange, or cranberry can provide you with vitamins and antioxidants that support healing and immunity. However, avoid acidic juices such as lemon or grapefruit as they irritate the wound.
• Milk: Milk is a good source of calcium and protein to help your bones and tissues heal. However, avoid drinking milk if you are allergic or lactose intolerant.

What Other Things Should I Avoid After Tooth Extraction?

Apart from alcohol, there are some other things that you should avoid after tooth extraction to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. These include:

Control Bleeding

Some bleeding is normal after tooth extraction but should stop within 24 hours. To control bleeding, apply gentle pressure on the gauze pad your dentist placed over the wound. Change the gauze pad every 30 minutes or as needed.

Minimize Swelling

Swelling is a natural response to injury and inflammation. It should subside within 2-3 days after tooth extraction. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to your cheek for 10 minutes every hour for the first day.

Mitigate Pain

Pain is joint after tooth extraction but should gradually improve. To mitigate pain, take painkillers such as ibuprofen as your dentist prescribes.

Take Rest

Rest is essential for healing and recovery after tooth extraction. Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise or lifting heavy objects for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Also, avoid driving if taking pain medications or sedatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is alcohol bad for dry sockets?

A dry socket is a condition that occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after tooth extraction becomes dislodged. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves to air, causing severe pain and infection.

Alcohol is terrible for dry sockets because it causes dehydration, which can make the blood clot dry and dislodge. Alcohol can also irritate the wound and delay healing.

What is the best drink for tooth extraction?

The best drink for tooth extraction is water, which keeps you hydrated, flushes out toxins, and prevents dry sockets. You can drink lukewarm herbal teas or fruit juices to soothe your mouth and provide nutrients.

Does alcohol increase tooth pain?

Alcohol can increase tooth pain after tooth extraction because it causes dehydration, making the wound dry and sensitive. Alcohol can also interfere with the anaesthesia used during tooth extraction, making it less effective or causing side effects such as nausea.

Is milk suitable for tooth extraction?

Milk is suitable for tooth extraction because it is a source of calcium and protein that can help your bones and tissues heal. However, avoid drinking milk if you are allergic or lactose intolerant.

What is the fastest a tooth extraction can heal?

The fastest a tooth extraction can heal depends on several factors, such as the type of extraction, your age, health status, oral hygiene habits, etc. Generally speaking, the extraction site takes about 7-10 days to heal and close.

However, it may take longer for the bone and soft tissue to fully regenerate. Follow your dentist’s or aftercare instructions to speed up the healing process.

Conclusion

Drinking alcohol after tooth extraction is not a good idea as it can slow your healing process and increase the risk of complications such as dry socket, infection, and pain. It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 7-10 days.

Instead, drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages to support your recovery and health. If you have any questions or concerns about alcohol after tooth extraction, consult your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.