Alcohol after Wisdom Tooth Removal
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After you have a wisdom tooth out, it’s time to focus on healing. You are probably thinking about drinking alcohol after wisdom tooth removal to relax a little, but we suggest you pause and think about how alcohol may interfere with your recovery after the procedure. A lot of people may not realise that drinking too soon after oral surgery, like wisdom teeth extraction, can delay healing, cause more pain and discomfort, and even lead to serious complications. Let’s hear Dr Roya’s thoughts, our experienced dentist Perth, on the matter.
How Alcohol Can Interact with the Healing Process
After your wisdom teeth are removed, taking care of the healing area is really important. Alcohol can have a significant impact on how well and how quickly you heal. Here are some key points to consider:
Delayed Healing: When you drink alcohol, your blood vessels expand, which can cause more bleeding and slow down healing. That’s why avoiding alcohol, especially in the first few days after surgery, can help you recover faster.
Longer Recovery Time: If you drink alcohol regularly after wisdom tooth surgery, it can slow down healing, make swelling worse, cause more discomfort, and make recovery harder.
Increased Swelling: Drinking alcohol soon after your surgery can lead to more swelling and discomfort. Alcohol can irritate the tissues that are trying to heal.
Immediate Risks and Bleeding: Drinking alcohol too soon after your wisdom tooth procedure can widen your blood vessels, lead to more bleeding and prevent the blood clot from forming properly at the extraction site.
Risk of Dry Socket and Infection: People who drink alcohol soon after their wisdom teeth removal have an increased risk of developing a dry socket, which is a painful condition where the blood clot comes loose, slowing down healing and making infection more likely. Alcohol weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off infection during the healing process.
Interaction with Medications: Your dentist may prescribe medications to help with pain and prevent infections after wisdom tooth removal. If you drink alcohol, it can weaken the effects of the medications or even cause serious side effects.
It’s best to avoid alcohol right after your wisdom tooth removal and wait until you’ve fully healed or your dentist says it’s okay.
Explore our full guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for further insights about wisdom teeth.
How Long Should You Wait?
After having your wisdom teeth extracted, give your body some time to heal before you start drinking alcohol.
Immediate Post-Surgery Period (First 24 Hours): It’s important to avoid all types of alcohol for the first 24 hours after your procedure. During this time, your body is trying to form a blood clot at the extraction site to help repair the wound faster.
First 72 Hours: Please stay away from alcohol for the first 72 hours because this period is crucial for reducing swelling and preventing complications like dry socket and infection.
One Week Post-Extraction: You will have healed significantly one week after your wisdom tooth extraction. But if you’re still taking prescribed pain medication, it’s best to avoid alcohol because it may interact negatively with these drugs.
Two Weeks and Beyond: Drinking alcohol after two weeks following your wisdom tooth removal is typically safe, but only if your recovery is going well without any complications. It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist or oral surgeon first to make sure drinking alcohol is safe for you.
Alcohol-Free Alternatives to Celebrate Your Recovery
We understand that after wisdom tooth surgery, you may need something to help you recover faster or simply make you feel better. However, it does not have to be alcohol. We have listed here some delicious and safe non-alcoholic options that you can enjoy while your body heals:
Fruit Mocktails
Fruit mocktails can be a great way to help you stay refreshed and hydrated. You can just mix fresh fruit juice with sparkling water, like pineapple with coconut water or mango with lime, for a tropical twist.
Herbal Teas
You can try some soothing herbal teas to help you relax and feel better. Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea are not only calming but also great for digestion and reducing inflammation.
Smoothies
Smoothies are full of nutrients and easy to consume after wisdom tooth surgery. You can use your favourite fruits and add some Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder to help keep your energy up.
Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines
You can drink non-alcoholic beverages like beers and wines. These beverages can give you the taste of regular drinks without the alcohol, so you can enjoy them at social events or while relaxing at home.
Visit Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic for Personalised Advice and Care
If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed or are planning your surgery, visit us for personalised advice and continuous support. Book your consultation today by calling us at (08) 9474 5083, and let us help you achieve optimal oral health.