A treatment that many wish they’ll never have to experience is a tooth extraction. The thought alone can make you wince, but thankfully, modern dental technology has made the entire process more comfortable and efficient. You might’ve gone through it yourself, and to celebrate, you might want to enjoy an alcoholic drink. Before you take a sip, here’s why you should avoid these beverages after your procedure.
Why Is It a Bad Idea to Drink After a Tooth Extraction?
Patients often want to wind down or feel a sense of normalcy after they have a tooth removed, so they think that a glass of wine or another drink can do just that. However, these can affect your healing process by thinning your blood. A clot will need to form over the empty socket to protect the nerve endings, but it may have trouble doing so with this side effect. If this doesn’t happen, you are likely to develop dry socket, which causes severe discomfort.
Not only that, but you will likely feel sore after your procedure. You may need to take over-the-counter or prescribed medications, but it’s unsafe to drink alcohol while taking pain relievers. They can cause dangerous effects on your body, so stick to water instead.
When Can I Enjoy a Drink Again?
Since you can’t drink after your extraction, you might be curious about when you can enjoy them once again. Generally, it’s advised to wait around 7 to 10 days, as this allows the initial healing to take place. If you have any prescribed medication, then you should wait until you finish it entirely before getting any of these beverages. However, the exact timeline for you may be different. It can be shorter or longer, but your dentist can let you know about what to expect.
How Can I Have a Smooth Recovery?
While alcoholic drinks will need to be put on pause, you should do your part aiding your recovery. These are just some tips that you can follow to do that:
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Don’t use straws or rinse vigorously, as they can dislodge the needed blood clot.
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products for at least three days after your treatment.
- Stock up on soft, nutritious foods as they are gentle on your mouth.
Last but not least, you should simply drink plenty of water. It’s gentle and keeps you hydrated, but if you want some flavor, then lukewarm herbal teas and non-caffeinated options are great choices to have. By following these easy tips, you can facilitate your healing; that way, you get back to a problem-free smile sooner.
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon helping the Fair Oaks community with advanced treatments like tooth extractions. With his knowledge and experience, you enjoy more comfortable procedures, all while being set up for success to avoid complications afterward. If you want to know more about caring for your teeth after having one removed, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Ji’s office at (916) 961-1902.