The short answer is NO. It is strictly not advisable to have alcohol for about 7-10 days after getting your tooth extraction. But why is it contraindicated?
First, let’s get an overview of how and why we sometimes need to get our teeth extracted.
The process of removing a tooth from the socket of the jaw bone is simply known as tooth extraction.
Well, it can be required due to a variety of reasons which are always better discussed with your dentist like trauma, infections, retained milk teeth, etc.
The process of extraction involves the following steps
- The dentist numbs the tooth and the surrounding areas of gums by injecting local anesthesia
- They loosen up the tooth and gradually the tooth is pulled out of the socket of the jaw bone
- Occasionally in a few cases, the dentist may choose to do a small cut or incision before pulling out the tooth.
- The patient is instructed about post-treatment and care and prescribed required medications.
It is important to follow post-treatment care after extraction for a smooth non-eventful healing process. You are instructed to bite firmly onto a gauze piece preferably for 45 minutes to stop the bleeding and initiate blood clot formation.
Don’t spit or rinse your mouth post-extraction for at least 24 hours failing as that may hinder the process of clot formation. Cold compression can be applied to the face to reduce swelling. Your diet should be soft and easily chewable. Avoid chewing on the side of the extraction site.
Consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco products are strictly prohibited, just as they are in non-dental surgeries.
After 24 -48 hours, mouth rinsing with warm salt water is advised to remove food debris that may accumulate at the site of tooth extraction. By following these instructions, unwanted complications, such as swelling and infection, can be minimized.
How does alcohol affect the healing process?
Consumption of alcohol after tooth extraction delays the healing process making you more vulnerable to bacterial infections. It disrupts blood clot formation and causes post-extraction discomfort. Alcohol exposure also reduces the body’s ability to form collagen which is necessary for wound healing.
Alcohol is known to cause interactions with antibiotics and pain medications which are often prescribed after tooth extraction. Such interactions can lead to severe side effects like increased heart rate, dizziness, disorientation, confusion, and severe allergic reactions necessitating immediate attention.
Light to moderate amount of alcohol intake after tooth extraction reduces the body’s ability to clot formation. Long-term and excessive consumption of alcohol disturbs the physiological and biochemical processes involving blood coagulation.
Therefore bleeding tendencies increase as clot formation is disturbed after alcohol consumption. Alcohol is also known to cause toxic effects on the bone marrow where the production of red blood cells takes place and may lead to anemic conditions.
Potential risk of increased bleeding and delayed healing
If a person consumes alcohol before or after tooth extraction it takes a longer time to stop bleeding. Post-treatment bleeding increases the risk of complications and infection.
Metabolism of alcohol in the liver quite frequently leads to liver cirrhosis. Chronic use of alcohol interacts with drug metabolism and reduces the actions of drugs, delaying post-extraction wound healing.
Alcohol use has also been seen to alter the effectiveness of anesthesia such patient often complains of pain after the extraction of teeth and sometimes even during the treatment.
Impact of alcohol on pain management and medication effectiveness
Alcohol can drastically drop the effectiveness of medication. It may render it toxic and increase the chances of allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. Many patients use alcohol as a means of escape from reality and hope to increase their pain tolerance levels.
However chronic use of alcohol makes them resistant to antibiotics and pain management medication. Alcohol abusers often require higher dosages of pain management drugs which increases their vulnerability to toxic side effects.
Risks and Considerations for Drinking Alcohol After Tooth Extraction
Potential for infection and complications
Both chronic and acute use of alcohol interferes with the immune system. As a result, the body’s ability to fight infections decreases multifold.
Alcohol has it effect on vital organs one of which is the liver was has a role in the detoxification of blood. Hence it can lead to alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, a very common complication of alcohol abuse.
Our immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. However, consuming alcohol can compromise this system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses. No amount of drinking can be considered safe, as it can have both immediate and enduring impacts on every part of the body.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a significantly increased risk, between 3 to 7 times, of developing serious conditions such as pneumonia as a result of common respiratory tract infections.
Summary
To help the healing of the extraction site, alcohol cannot (or should not) be consumed. It’s very important to adhere to that advice and other post-care such as avoiding tobacco, spitting, drinking from straws, and so on.
FAQ
Can I drink beer after tooth extraction?
No, strictly no alcoholic beverages irrespective of their alcoholic content should be taken after tooth extraction.
Can I have coffee after tooth extraction?
Coffee or any hot drinks should be avoided for at least 24 hours. Hot beverages can cause inflammation or bleeding at the site of extraction.
Is it okay to smoke after tooth extraction?
No, smoking must be avoided after tooth extraction as it delays clot formation and may cause an extremely painful condition called a dry socket.