Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful ordeal, and many patients might want to reach for a drink after the procedure. While it might be tempting to enjoy a stiff adult beverage after oral surgery, dentists advise against drinking after a tooth extraction. Alcohol consumption can irritate the surgical site and hinder the healing process. Here’s how long you should abstain from alcohol after a tooth extraction as well as a few tips for helping your gums heal.
Why Should I Not Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth is extracted, the socket must develop a blood clot in order to heal properly. If this does not happen, the result is a painful condition known as dry socket. In addition to causing extreme discomfort and radiating pain, this condition will delay the healing process and may require further dental appointments for treatment. Alcohol hinders the body’s ability to form blood clots, meaning that drinking immediately after a tooth extraction increases your chances of developing dry socket.
How Long Should I Wait After an Extraction Before Having a Drink?
Your dentist will recommend an amount of time to wait after extraction before enjoying an alcoholic beverage, but it will probably be between seven and ten days. The best beverage when healing is always water, as it will keep you hydrated and your bodily fluids flowing. You should also be wary of mixing any pain medications with alcohol, as this can be dangerous and lead to serious side effects. It’s best to wait until you are no longer taking pain medications before having a drink.
How Can I Help the Healing Process Go Smoothly?
After a tooth extraction, you’ll want the healing process to progress quickly and smoothly. Here are a few tips to help the process along while avoiding dry socket:
- Rest for a full twenty-four hours after extraction.
- Leave the gauze placed in your mouth in position for several hours to help the blood clot form. Afterward, you can change the gauze as needed.
- Hold an ice pack against your cheek over the surgical site to reduce swelling.
- Refrain from vigorously rinsing your mouth to avoid disturbing the clot.
- Refrain from using straws and spitting for twenty-four hours after extraction.
- Abstain from tobacco for at least three days after extraction.
- Stick to a diet of soft, nutritious foods.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your mouth heals quickly and completely after extraction. This will leave you to enjoying the rest of your life without worrying about that problematic tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas earned his dental doctorate at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has accrued over 400 hours of surgical training at the Advanced Dental Implant Institute in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He continues to further his education with courses from the Academy of General Dentistry, Spear Education, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and more. His office in Port Charlotte, FL offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to tooth extractions. For more information on recovering from tooth extraction, contact the office online or dial (941) 627-9900.