Getting your wisdom teeth out is a rite of passage for many, and it’s a pretty common procedure. So, after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you might be wondering: is it safe to drink alcohol?
That’s a valid question. After all, you want to heal properly, and you don’t want to do anything that could mess with your recovery. It’s important to understand how alcohol can affect your healing process.
This article will explore the risks of drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal, how long you should wait before having a drink, and some safer alternatives to consider during your recovery.
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In a word, no, especially not in the first few days after the procedure.
The Immediate Post-Operative Period (First 24-72 Hours)
It’s important to avoid alcohol during the initial healing phase. The first 24 to 72 hours after surgery are critical for proper healing, and alcohol can significantly increase your risk of complications.
Drinking alcohol so soon after surgery can delay healing, increase bleeding, worsen swelling, and increase the risk of both dry socket and infection, so it’s best to just skip the drinks for a bit.
Potential Interactions with Medications
If you’ve been prescribed pain medication, you should know that alcohol can interact negatively with it. Mixing alcohol with pain medications can lead to dangerous side effects, including increased drowsiness and dizziness.
How alcohol can mess with healing
After wisdom teeth removal, your body needs to form blood clots in the extraction sites. These clots protect the bone and nerves underneath while new tissue grows. Alcohol can interfere with this process, making it harder for clots to form properly.
If a blood clot dislodges or doesn’t form correctly, you can develop a “dry socket.” This is a very painful condition that delays healing and may require additional treatment.
Alcohol can also increase swelling and inflammation around the surgical area, which can be uncomfortable and slow down the healing process.
Finally, alcohol can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection. Because of this, drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal could increase your risk of developing an infection in the extraction sites.
How long should you wait before drinking alcohol?
The best advice is to avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 72 hours after your wisdom teeth are removed. But you may need to wait longer.
If you’re still taking pain medication a week after the procedure, it’s best to continue avoiding alcohol.
It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist or oral surgeon about your specific situation before you decide to drink alcohol after having your wisdom teeth removed.
Factors that influence the waiting time
Here are a few things that can change how long you should wait before drinking alcohol:
- How quickly you heal. Everyone heals at their own pace, so keep that in mind as you recover.
- How difficult the extraction was. If your surgery was complicated, it may take a little longer for the extraction sites to heal.
- Your general health. If you have any underlying health conditions, they may affect how quickly you heal.
Alcohol-Free Ways to Celebrate Your Recovery
You don’t need alcohol to celebrate! There are plenty of ways to enjoy your recovery period while staying safe and promoting healing. Try these:
- Fruit Mocktails: Get creative with fresh fruits, juices, and sparkling water for a refreshing and festive drink.
- Herbal Teas: Soothe your senses with a warm cup of herbal tea. Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger can be especially comforting.
- Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits, yogurt, and protein powder for a nutritious and delicious treat.
- Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines: If you’re craving the taste of beer or wine, explore the growing selection of non-alcoholic options.
Remember to stay hydrated and focus on enjoying the recovery process. You’ll be back to your old self in no time!
Putting It All Together
Drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal can slow healing and raise your risk of infection or other complications. Because every patient is different, it’s always best to talk with your dentist or oral surgeon about when it’s safe for you to drink again.
During your recovery, put your health and well-being first.