Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many people undergo at some point in their lives. Whether it’s due to overcrowding, impaction, or simply to prevent future dental issues, having your wisdom teeth extracted is often seen as a rite of passage. However, once the procedure is done, the focus shifts to proper aftercare and recovery. One of the most frequently asked questions in this regard is when you can drink after wisdom teeth removal. In this guide, we will address this question and provide you with all the necessary information for a smooth recovery.

After having your wisdom teeth removed, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing. This includes being mindful of what you eat and drink in the days following the surgery. While staying hydrated is important, certain beverages should be avoided to prevent complications. Additionally, drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal is not recommended for a specific period of time. Keep reading to find out when it’s safe to resume your normal drinking habits after wisdom teeth extraction.

Why Is It Important to Avoid Drinking After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, blood clots form in the sockets where the teeth used to be. These clots are essential for the healing process, as they protect the bone and nerve endings from being exposed to air, food, and bacteria. If the blood clots are dislodged prematurely, you may end up dealing with a painful condition called dry socket.

Certain beverages can interfere with blood clot formation. For example, drinking alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase blood pressure, which may lead to the dislodging of the clots. Hot drinks, such as coffee and tea, may cause clots to dissolve. For this reason, it is advisable to stick to a restricted drink menu for a few days after the surgery.

How Long Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after the surgery. Some dental professionals may extend this period to 7-10 days to be on the safe side. There are several reasons why combining alcohol and oral surgery is not a good idea:

• Certain pain medications do not react well to alcohol, which can result in liver damage and gastrointestinal issues.
• Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can contribute to dehydration—meanwhile, proper hydration is vital for a fast recovery.
• Alcohol may increase swelling and inflammation in the affected area, prolonging the healing process.

Pay attention to your body—if you notice increased swelling, bleeding, or pain after having a drink within a few days of the extraction, reach out to your dentist.

Can You Drink Water After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Yes, you can and should drink water after wisdom teeth removal. Staying hydrated will help you prevent common post-surgery complications—water is necessary to control the balance of the fluids in your body, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the recovery.

In most cases, patients are allowed to drink water right after the surgery is over. Nonetheless, it is better to take small sips, especially if you are still feeling the effects of the anesthesia. Do not use a straw to drink water—the suction may dislodge the blood clot from the socket.

When Can You Drink Soda After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It is advised to give up carbonated drinks for 24-48 hours after the extraction at a minimum. While soda will keep you hydrated similarly to water, it may disturb the healing process—the bubbles in the carbonated drink can dissolve the blood clot and lead to a dry socket.

Besides, soda contains a lot of sugar—this ingredient is bad for your teeth at the best of times. After you have gone through dental surgery, it is better to lower your soda consumption to prevent bacteria buildup in the mouth.

Additional Recovery Tips After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Here are a few suggestions that will expedite your recovery after wisdom teeth removal:

• Follow the instructions of your dentist when it comes to medication—you may be prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to manage the discomfort and prevent the infection.
• Apply ice packs to the swollen area on your face—the cold will reduce the swelling and numb the pain.
• Stick to soft foods for a few days—instead of hard and chewy snacks that may get stuck in the socket, go for yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies.
• Do not drink with a straw—whether you are drinking water or juice, remember that suction is dangerous for the blood clots in the sockets.

FAQs

How long after wisdom teeth removal can I drink?

It is recommended to avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 2 days after the surgery—in some cases, this period may be extended to 10-14 days.

Can I drink alcohol 2 days after a tooth extraction?

If you can refrain from drinking alcohol for more than 48 hours after the extraction, it is better to do so—this way, you will avoid issues with blood clotting and medication.

What can I drink after wisdom teeth removal?

Patients are advised to drink water, milk, smoothies, and fruit juice (except for orange juice) after the surgery—these drinks will keep you hydrated and nourished.

Is it ok to drink alcohol after oral surgery?

Mixing alcohol and oral surgery is never a good idea—alcohol will negatively affect the medicine you are taking and dehydrate you when you need to replenish your fluids.

Will drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction cause dry socket?

Alcohol may lead to a dry socket—a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot is removed from the socket—since it interferes with blood clotting.

Ensure a Smooth Recovery With Professional Guidance

We hope that our tips will help you take proper care of your health after wisdom teeth removal—avoiding or at least limiting your alcohol consumption after the surgery will do you a lot of good in the long run. If you are ever unsure about your recovery process, feel free to reach out to Newport Smile—our team will be happy to assist you!