There is nothing wrong with indulging in an occasional beer, cocktail, or glass of wine. However, the situation is different for individuals who have recently undergone a significant dental procedure. Is it okay to drink alcohol after a tooth extraction? Read this blog post to learn why you should wait several days before you sip on your favorite adult beverage.
Alcohol Can Interfere with Blood Clotting
After your tooth is removed, a blood clot should start to form at the extraction site. The clot’s job is to protect the empty socket and allow you to heal efficiently. Unfortunately, since alcohol thins the blood, it can worsen bleeding. It might even completely prevent a clot from forming. This problem, known as dry socket, can be extremely painful and slow down your body’s recovery process.
Alcohol Can Interact with Pain Medications
Often, dentists recommend that patients take pain medication following an extraction. You might get a prescription for a strong pain reliever, or you might just use an over-the-counter product. In either case, you should not combine pain medications with alcohol. They create a dangerous combination that could contribute to liver failure, impaired motor function, and other problems.
When Can You Start Drinking Alcohol Again?
In most cases, patients can safely resume alcohol consumption about 7 – 10 days after a tooth extraction. However, you should remember that people heal at different rates. Be patient with your recovery and wait to have alcohol until after any soreness from your extraction has dissipated. At the very least, you should wait until you are no longer taking pain medications.
What Can You Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
Even though alcohol will be temporarily off-limits following your tooth extraction, there are still plenty of other beverages that you can feel free to enjoy. Here are some examples:
- Green tea. Green tea is widely touted as one of the healthiest beverages around. It even has the potential to reduce bleeding after an extraction. Just make sure the tea is not hot; otherwise, it could irritate your extraction site.
- Coffee. You should limit your caffeine intake after an invasive dental procedure, but drinking iced coffee in moderation should not cause any serious problems.
- Broth and blended soups. These items can be a savory addition to the soft diet that you should adhere to after your extraction.
- Cold water. Water is vital for hydration, and its cold temperature can soothe the sore areas inside your mouth.
Undergoing a tooth extraction will require you to abstain from alcohol for a while. Before you know it, though, you will once again be able to enjoy all of your favorite beverages in moderation.
Meet the Practice
The team at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden is proud to provide gentle extractions and other restorative services in our comfortable, welcoming office. If you have questions about what to expect while you are recovering from a dental procedure, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with us at 203-587-7327.