First line Dental

Is It Okay To Drink Alcohol After A Tooth Extraction?

MARCH 19, 2023

Most of the time, it is perfectly fine to enjoy a beer or another adult beverage. However, things are different for individuals who have recently undergone certain emergency dental procedures. Is it okay to drink alcohol after a tooth extraction? Learn why it would be best to wait at least a week before you incorporate it back into your routine.

Alcohol Can Interfere With Blood Clotting

After your tooth is removed from your mouth, a blood clot should form at the extraction site. The purpose of the clot is to protect the empty socket and help your body to heal efficiently. Unfortunately, because alcohol thins the blood, it can exacerbate bleeding after an invasive dental procedure. In fact, alcohol might even prevent a blood clot from forming at all. This complication, known as dry socket, can be quite painful and extend the timeline for your recovery.

Alcohol Can Interact With Pain Medications

You might receive a prescription for pain medication after your extraction. Even if you do not receive a prescription, it is probable that you will be advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers instead. Alcohol has the potential to interfere with your medications. It could contribute to dangerous side effects, such as impaired motor function, liver failure, and more.

When Can You Start Drinking Alcohol Again?

In the majority of cases, it is safe for patients to resume alcohol consumption approximately one week to 10 days after a tooth extraction. However, it is important to remember that people heal at different rates. Be patient with yourself and wait until any soreness from your extraction has gone. It is also vital to abstain from alcohol until you no longer have pain medications at work in your body.

What Can You Drink After A Tooth Extraction?

Alcohol should be temporarily off-limits during your recovery, but there are lots of other beverages that it is perfectly okay to enjoy. Here are a few examples.

  • Green tea. Green tea has components in it that are known to support oral health. It may even help to reduce bleeding after an extraction. (Make sure the tea is not hot; it could irritate your extraction site if its temperature is too high.)
  • Coffee. An iced coffee can be a refreshing pick-me-up. You can start to enjoy hot coffee again 24 – 28 hours after your procedure.
  • Broth and blended soups. Broths and smooth soups can be a good way to increase your protein intake during the initial part of your recovery period, when you should be adhering to a soft diet.
  • Cold water. Water will keep you hydrated, and its cold temperature can soothe your sore mouth.

Undergoing a tooth extraction means that you will have to say no to alcohol for around a week. Time passes quickly, though, and before you know it, you should be able to once again enjoy your favorite adult beverages in moderation.

Meet the Practice

The talented team at First Line Dental proudly offers gentle extractions in a welcoming, modern environment. If you believe you need to have a tooth removed, or you have questions about what to expect during your recovery, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our Manchester dental office at 860-327-5990.

Book a consultation today or make an appointment using our convenient online appointment scheduler.

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