In most cases, it is perfectly okay to sip on a cold beer or tasty summer cocktail. However, it is a different story for people who have recently undergone a significant dental procedure. Is it okay to drink alcohol after a tooth extraction? Learn what you should know before you pour your next adult beverage.
Alcohol Can Interfere with Blood Clotting
After your dentist removes your tooth, a blood clot should start to form at the extraction site. The clot’s job is to protect the empty socket and help your body to heal as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, alcohol thins the blood. It can worsen bleeding and slow down the formation of a blood clot.
In fact, it might prevent a clot from forming at all. This complication, called dry socket, can be extremely painful and significantly lengthen your recovery time after an extraction.
Alcohol Can Interact with Pain Medications
Your dentist might give you a prescription for painkillers after your extraction. Even if you do not receive a prescription, you may be advised to take over-the-counter medications to ease your discomfort. Alcohol can interact with these substances and lead to dangerous side effects, such as impaired motor function, liver failure, and more.
When Can You Start Drinking Alcohol Again?
For most patients, it is safe to resume alcohol consumption 7 – 10 days after a tooth extraction. However, keep in mind that people tend to heal at different rates. Be patient with yourself and wait until any soreness from your procedure has worn off. At the very least, you should no longer have pain medications at work in your body.
What Can You Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
Even though alcohol will be temporarily off-limits after your extraction, there are other tasty beverages that you should feel free to enjoy. Here are some examples:
- Green tea. Green tea has compounds in it that have been shown to support oral health. It may even help to reduce bleeding after an extraction. (Be sure the tea is not too hot; high temperatures can irritate your extraction site.)
- Coffee. You should not overdo it on caffeine, but a small iced coffee can serve as a refreshing pick-me-up.
- Broth and blended soups. Smooth soups and broth can boost your protein intake during the time when you are required to consume a soft diet.
- Cold water. Water will help you stay hydrated, and its cold temperature can soothe your sore mouth.
A tooth extraction procedure necessitates that you temporarily abstain from alcohol. Soon, though, you can go back to enjoying your favorite drinks.
Meet the Practice
Aveni Dental Professionals features an experienced and highly skilled team of oral health experts. We provide gentle extractions and other restorative services. If you believe you need to have a tooth removed, we are ready to answer all of your questions about the procedure and the recovery process. Get in touch with our Plymouth dental office at 508-876-3381.