“Drink beer feel the cheer” – a phrase only alcoholics can relate with. If you’re an alcoholic and got your tooth pulled, you must think twice before drinking. A common question – Can I drink alcohol after tooth removal? One-word answer is a NO.
However, there’s “good news”. You have some alternate options that you can choose as a replacement for alcohol. These options are discussed in the latter part of this article. So, fasten your seat belts as we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in this regard.
Drinking alcohol after tooth extraction – What can happen?
One of three things can occur;
1. Dry Socket:
Healing of the socket is crucial after tooth extraction. This means that the socket should be closed by new bone formation.
New bone is formed by the blood that gathers in the socket – referred to as the blood clot. Certain habits like smoking or drinking alcohol can disrupt this process. The result is delayed healing and extreme pain (dry socket).
2. Toxicity:
Mild to moderate pain is normal after getting a tooth pulled. For this purpose, your dentist might recommend a few painkillers. Pain relievers like Aspirin, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen or Naproxen react with alcohol. This reaction can upset the stomach leading to ulcers and bleeding.
If you continue using these meds alongside alcohol, you might end up in an I.C.U. Nobody wants that. Right? Next time you think of having an alcoholic beverage, remind yourself about this.
3. Risk of infection:
According to the National Library of Medicine, the risk of infection after a wisdom tooth extraction is 10% to 25%. This might not sound like a large number, but it is there.
Dentists prescribe antibiotics to prevent the chances of infection after tooth extraction. If you’re an alcoholic, then this will limit the dentist from prescribing effective antibiotics like metronidazole. Thus, the chances of infection are sky-high. So, can you drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal? You know the answer – a BIG No!
Can I drink alcohol 24 hours after tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, the recommended time to drink alcohol is when the healing is complete, i.e., after 5 to 7 days.
However, if you plan on drinking alcohol within 24 hours of tooth extraction, you must drink plenty of water. The reason is that alcohol causes the blood to become thin and dehydrates your body. Not only will this cause dry socket, but it can also result in dental decay and gum disease.
In addition to staying hydrated, you must avoid high-alcohol drinks like red wine, whiskey, scotch and brandy. Alternatively, you can drink beer or a low-alcohol mix.
What can I drink after tooth removal? – Options other than alcohol
Alternate drinks to consume after getting a tooth pulled include;
- Milk
- Apple juice
- Ginger extract
- Water
Whichever drink you choose, be sure to drink using a cup. Drinking with a straw can adversely affect the healing process. Moreover, do not add excess sugar to the above drinks, as it may result in other dental problems.
What can I eat after tooth removal?
You should choose foods that are healthy, soft and easily digestible. Some of these foods are mentioned below;
- Boiled and Mashed Vegetables like carrots, potatoes and peas
- Greek Yogurt – as it is a rich source of protein and other minerals
- Smoothies made from fruits like banana, mango and strawberry
Oral Care after tooth removal
A particular set of guidelines is given by the dentist following the removal of a tooth. If you plan on getting a smooth recovery, you must adhere to the “7-point formula.” The rationale for this 7-point formula is that it promotes clot formation and prevents dry socket plus other dental problems.
- You should bite on the piece of gauze/cotton for 1 hour after tooth extraction.
- After 1 hour, throw the cotton away and do not place it back again unless there is excessive bleeding.
- You must avoid drinking liquids with a straw.
- Avoid spitting for 24 hours following tooth extraction.
- Practice meticulous oral hygiene, i.e., brushing your teeth with a smart sonic electric toothbrush twice daily. A range of oclean smart toothbrushes is offered by Oclean to suit specific needs. You can check them out as well.
- Eat soft foods from the opposite side of the dental arch, i.e., the teeth on the other side of the extraction site.
- Regular follow-up for the time appointed by your dentist. Contact your dentist immediately if any sign of excess bleeding occurs after 24 hours of tooth extraction.
Bottom-line
Oral care is crucial after getting a tooth pulled. This implies brushing your teeth twice daily, alongside the “7 point formula” mentioned in the article previously.
It’s not wise for an alcoholic to continue drinking after tooth extraction – be it a wisdom tooth extraction or of any other tooth. Dry socket, infection, and other such complications can occur if one does not stop drinking booze. You can continue drinking alcohol once the healing is complete. Certain foods and drinks that can be used as an alternative are aforementioned.
