Why Alcohol and Tooth Extraction Don’t Mix

You just got back home from a long day at your dentist’s. Tooth extractions might not be the torturous ordeals the media so often makes them out to be, but they can be tiring. You’re thinking about treating yourself to a glass or two of your favorite alcoholic drink.

Before you get too enamored with that idea, take a minute to scroll through this post. Consuming any amount of alcohol during your tooth extraction recovery will negatively impact your oral health and comfort. You can trust both dental and bartending professionals on this one – alcohol and tooth extractions don’t mix!

The Science of Beer and Liquor

Whether it’s a light beer or strong liquor, alcohol isn’t great for the healing process in general. It thins your blood, increases dehydration, and can wear out your body. These three side effects directly contrast with what you need for effective post-treatment recovery: efficient blood-clotting, plenty of water, and, naturally, plenty of rest.

The Science of a Pulled Tooth

After your dentist removes your sick or damaged tooth, there’s going to be a small opening left behind in your gums, called a “socket”. Ideally, a blood clot will form over this socket, protecting your tender treatment site from infection, bacteria, and uncomfortable exposure.

This can’t happen if your blood is too thin from consuming alcohol! Instead, you could experience excessive bleeding or, arguably worse, dry socket, which is when a formed blood clot comes loose and dislodges. Dry socket is very painful, so you’re going to want to keep your blood clot safe.

Don’t Drink and Medicate

Keep in mind that the local anesthetic your dentist will use to numb the extraction site will likely still be in your system when you return home. When it fades, you’ll probably want to take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication sooner or later. You shouldn’t consume alcohol while being under the influence of either of these things!

When Will it Be Safe to Drink Again?

It depends on the progress of your recovery. Different factors, like how fast you heal and what sort of pain medications you take, will affect when it’s okay to reintroduce alcohol and your stomach. It’s best to ask your dentist for a timeline.

It’s also best to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions as closely as possible. This will help ensure you heal smoothly and don’t experience more discomfort than necessary. Listen to their expert advice, and you’ll be able to celebrate with a hard cider or cocktail soon enough!