Can You Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom Teeth Removal Requires Aftercare

Maintaining good oral health is imperative for your overall health. Checking in with your dentist often can prevent disasters like cavities and other diseases. The same goes when it comes to wisdom teeth removal.

If you don’t have enough space for wisdom teeth, they will start pushing other teeth to make some. In the process, wisdom teeth themselves can even become impacted.

When you extract them, your recovery process begins. You have to have a lot of rest, consume only certain kinds of foods, and maintain good oral hygiene. If you love unwinding with a glass of wine after a long day, the recovery process might be difficult. The same goes if you like socializing over beers or have an event coming up.

It’s only natural to ask yourself: “Can I drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal?” The answer is all but simple. So, let’s talk about the kinds of wisdom teeth extractions there are, whether you can drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal, and what you can consume to ensure a speedy recovery.

Simple Extraction vs. Surgical Extraction

It’s important to talk about these two extraction types because the healing processes can be quite different depending on which one you opt for.

Simple wisdom teeth removals are done when your wisdom teeth have enough space to emerge. When that happens, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic and simply extract the teeth. This kind of wisdom teeth removal has a relatively quick and easy recovery.

Surgical extractions are a bit different. They’re required in cases of impacted wisdom teeth or if they can’t possibly emerge. In those cases, a dental surgeon might have to make small incisions in your gums to remove those teeth. The trauma to your jaw is inevitable, and you’ll likely have stitches. That’s why this kind of extraction can require a bit more recovery time.

Alcohol Consumption During Recovery

So, when can you drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal? Well, it depends. Usually, your dentist will let you know that you shouldn’t drink alcohol for at least 72 hours. However, that time can vary depending on the kind of extraction you’ve had. Either way, you need to give your body time to form a blood clot, so your wound can heal faster.

In most cases, your dentist will give you painkillers or other types of medications that can help speed up your recovery. With that in mind, alcohol is definitely out of the picture because you should never mix it with any medicine.

“How long after wisdom teeth removal can I drink alcohol?” The safest answer is probably to wait anywhere from 7 to 10 days. Then, a blood clot will form, your wound will start to heal, and you’ll be able to consume firmer foods.

So, What Can You Drink Instead?

Besides avoiding drinking alcohol, there are other drinks you should stay away from during your recovery. They include:

• Hot coffee
• Citric drinks
• Most sodas

You should avoid foods and drinks that are too hot, as they can irritate your mouth. The same goes for citric drinks and sodas because they can slow the healing of your wound. If all of your favorite drinks are out of the picture, don’t worry. There are still drinks you can consume after wisdom teeth removal. Some of them include:

• Water
• Smoothies
• Apple juice
• Milkshakes
• Milk

The most important thing to remember is not to drink using a straw. Sucking through the straw can help dislodge the clot and slow your recovery. Stick to drinks mentioned and soft foods instead. They will promote healing and ensure you get all the necessary nutrients because recovery is impossible without them.

If you simply can’t wait to savor a glass of your favorite wine, we recommend waiting at least until you stop taking painkillers. With medication out of the picture, you’ll be able to consume alcohol without having to worry about any side effects.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Post-extraction recovery doesn’t only consist of eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids. Here are some recovery tips you should know about:

• After extraction, rest as much as possible (especially for the first 24 hours).
• Some cheek swelling is normal! Use an ice bag on the swollen area but don’t hold it for more than 10 minutes at a time.
• The gauze your dentist gives you will help form a clot. Keep biting on it as long as your dentist recommends before tossing it away or replacing it.
• Maintaining oral health is imperative! However, avoid flossing near the extraction site, and ensure you’re rinsing your mouth gently. Don’t do anything that could potentially dislodge the blood clot.
• Aside from abstaining from alcohol, you should also give smoking a break. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, as it will hinder the healing. Take some time before going back to your habits.
• Wisdom teeth removal surgeries can often leave your jaw in pain. Trismus can occur, and you can find yourself unable to open your mouth properly. This issue usually resolves itself after some time.

If any unexpected pain, bleeding, or any other issue comes up and doesn’t go away, call your dentist immediately. They will always know the best way to help you out. Wisdom teeth removal may seem like a scary procedure but, with a local anesthetic, it’s pain-free and will improve your oral health greatly. Wisdom teeth only bother most people, so getting rid of them as soon as you can is always a good idea.