Will You Be Able to Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you should and shouldn’t do while your mouth is healing. For example, you might feel like sitting back and enjoying an alcoholic beverage – but would that really be the best decision for your smile? Or should you stay away from such drinks for the time being? Your emergency dentist is here to explain what you need to know so that you can ensure that your recovery process goes as smoothly as possible.

How Does Tooth Extraction Work?

A tooth extraction can either be simple or surgical. Simple extractions involve using an instrument known as an elevator to lift the tooth in question before gradually loosening it with forceps until it can be removed. Meanwhile, a surgical extraction is performed by creating an incision in your gums, making it possible to remove an impacted tooth.

Can You Drink Alcohol Following a Tooth Extraction?

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction is not a good idea. One of the side effects of alcohol is to thin your blood, hindering its ability to clot. This is an issue because if a blood clot doesn’t form at the extraction site (or if an existing clot becomes dislodged), the result is a dry socket, which can be very painful and put you at risk for an infection.

On top of that, alcohol could potentially interact badly with any pain medications that you might be taking to manage your discomfort after your tooth extraction. Said interactions could lead to liver failure and other serious side effects.

When Will It Be Safe to Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

Some dentists will tell you that you should stay away from alcohol for at least 72 hours following a tooth extraction. However, if you want to be as safe as possible, it’s best to refrain from drinking for 7 to 10 days. And even then, you should only pour yourself an alcoholic beverage if you’ve reached the point where you’ve completely stopped using pain medication.

How Else Can You Take Care of Your Mouth After a Tooth Extraction?

In order to avoid problems after a tooth extraction, you should:

• Give yourself at least 24 hours to rest following the procedure.
• Use a cold compress to keep any swelling down.
• Avoid rinsing vigorously with water, using a straw, or doing anything else that can dislodge a blood clot.
• Maintain a diet of soft, nutritious foods.

As long as you maintain the right habits during your recovery process, your mouth will be able to heal from your tooth extraction without any issue, and you will be able to return to your regular activities all the sooner.

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the UConn School of Dental Medicine. She closely follows the latest advancements in dentistry so that she can continue providing high-quality dental care to her patients. Her practice, Wethersfield Dental Group, offers same-day emergency appointments as well as safe, gentle tooth extractions. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Phadnis, visit her website or call (860) 400-3007.