Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common surgeries people get. And, although it is a very straightforward procedure, it requires proper post-surgery care and regular follow-ups like any other surgical intervention to ensure a smooth recovery.
After wisdom tooth extraction, following specific dietary guidelines to promote healing and avoid complications is crucial. Your mouth remains sensitive for several days, and certain foods can interfere with the recovery process, increase discomfort, or even cause infections.
However, when it comes to liquids, it’s hard to tell which ones are harmless and which ones are not. Many of our patients specifically ask, “How soon can we drink alcohol after tooth extraction?” There is no one-suits-all answer to this question but early consumption of alcohol after tooth extraction does hinder the recovery of wounds.
Let’s discuss the effects of alcohol on healing, the timeline for safely consuming alcohol, and other essential recovery tips to help you get back to normal quickly and pain-free.
Risk of Drinking Alcohol Too Soon After Tooth Extraction
In the days following tooth extraction, our body tries to heal the wound at the extraction site. This includes forming blood clots, stopping bleeding, and forming new tissue to close the wound opening.
How does alcohol affect the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction?
- Affects Blood Clot Formation and Increases Bleeding
Alcohol reduces the number of platelets in the blood and makes existing platelets less sticky which makes it harder for the blood to clot.
Alcohol can also cause other changes in the body that can contribute to bleeding, such as thinning of blood, vasodilation, and changes in blood pressure.
Dry Socket: One of the most significant risks of drinking alcohol shortly after tooth extraction is the disruption of the blood clot, which can lead to a condition known as dry socket. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or fails to form, leaving the bone and nerves exposed to air and food particles. This is extremely painful and poses a threat of deep injury and infection.
- Delays Tissue Healing
Alcohol dehydrates the body, which reduces the body’s ability to produce new tissue. This dehydration can slow down the healing progress.
Alcohol also alters the production of inflammatory mediators like cytokines, limits oxygen flow to the wound site, and reduces the number of proteins that help close wounds. The cumulative result of this is delayed wound healing leading to chronic wounds.
- Poses Risk of Infection
Alcohol decreases the number and alters the function of white blood cells, such as macrophages which are responsible for cleaning out pathogens and debris from the tissues. This poses a threat of infection to the open wound at the extraction site.
Also, the longer the wound takes to heal the higher the possibility of it getting affected.
When Can You Safely Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?
Different people have different healing durations based on the complexity of the wound, general immunity, age, health of the patient, etc.
Hence, a proper follow-up is advised where you can ask your surgeon if certain foods and alcohol can be reintroduced or not. Based on the condition of your wound, the doctor will be in a good position to recommend an exact time frame.
At Ridge Oral Surgery, we give individual care to each of our patients, which ensures detection of any complication at its earliest. We make it a point to excel in the aftercare of wisdom tooth extraction because we understand its value.
On a general note, most patients should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48-72 hours after tooth extraction. This period allows the body enough time to form stable blood clots and initiate the healing process.
What You Can Drink Instead: Safe Beverage Options During Recovery
Staying hydrated is crucial during recovery. Hence we understand the need for diverse beverage options. Here are a few non-alcoholic options for recovery:
- Water: Nothing beats plain water when it comes to hydration. You can also drink lukewarm water to help in relieving pain and tension around the extraction site.
- Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and soothing effects. Non-caffeinated, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can be a comforting option during recovery.
- Non-Acidic Drinks: Mild fruit juices like diluted pear juice, melon juices, and vegetable juices of carrots, beetroots, etc are great options to consider.
You can be creative here and find other sources of hydration as well. As long as they are not acidic, alcoholic, or caffeinated, it is safe to drink. Acidic juices, alcohol, and caffeine interfere with the healing process and hence they are not safe to drink during recovery.
How to Care for Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Proper care can ensure rapid and uncomplicated healing after wisdom tooth removal. You should:
- Have Proper Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene will give an uncontaminated environment for the wound, reducing the risk of infections. Use mouthwash to cleanse your mouth after 24 hours of surgery. Don’t rinse or spit forcefully within 24 hours as it may dislodge the blood clot. Gargle after every meal so that any food particles do get lodged in the extraction area.
- Avoid Smoking
Smoking is known to damage blood vessels, reduce blood flow, and decrease the amount of oxygen in the blood. This significantly delays the wound healing process and can contribute to complications such as dry sockets.
- Avoid Acidic, Alcoholic and Caffeinated Drinks
These drinks are also responsible for delaying the healing process via different mechanisms, such as tissue dehydration, vasodilation, change of blood pressure, alteration in clot formation, etc.
- Follow Specific Instructions Given By Your Surgeon
Every surgery is specific based on the individual going through it. An on-site surgeon takes all the specifics of the surgery and the history of the patient into consideration.
So, if your surgeon has prescribed any particular diet, lifestyle, or medication, stick to it and discuss its course in the follow-ups. Consult your oral surgeon before reintroducing restricted food and drinks like alcohol.
- Manage Symptoms of Pain, Swelling, Bleeding, etc
Slight pain, swelling, and bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction are common and usually subside shortly after. Oral surgeons prescribe drugs to manage these symptoms. Ice packs are also seen to help with pain.
However, if the symptoms are not getting reduced by painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed to you, or if you are getting a fever, persistent nausea and vomiting, foul-tasting discharge, etc consult your doctor immediately.
What to Do if You’ve Had Alcohol Too Soon After Surgery
If you already have accidentally consumed alcohol within 48 hours of wisdom surgery extraction, don’t worry. There are ways out of the probable complications.
First of all, monitor your signs and symptoms closely. Notice any aggravation or alteration in the frequency and duration of symptoms. Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms, including excessive bleeding, pain, or swelling. If you notice any of these signs, contact your oral surgeon immediately for advice. In the meantime, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol until completely healed.
FAQs About Alcohol and Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- For how long should I avoid drinking alcohol after wisdom tooth extraction?
- For a minimum of 48-72 hours.
- Can alcohol cause dry sockets?
- Yes, it makes it more likely after wisdom tooth extraction.
- What happens if I drink alcohol too soon after wisdom tooth extraction?
- It prolongs the healing time and causes complications.
- When should I start brushing my teeth after wisdom tooth extraction?
- Any strenuous activity in the mouth should not be carried out before 24 hours.
Recovering from wisdom tooth extraction requires patience and adherence to post-surgery guidelines. While it may be tempting to have a drink, it’s essential to avoid alcohol until your surgeon confirms it’s safe. Following the aftercare instructions will minimize your risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.