Tooth extraction is a routine dental treatment often required due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, or to make way for orthodontic procedures. While many people recover without issue, what you do after the tooth is removed has a significant impact on how fast and comfortably your recovery unfolds.
One question dentists often hear is: Can I drink alcohol 24 hours after tooth extraction?
Let’s explore why the answer is almost always no, and what to do instead for a successful recovery.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket within the jawbone. The procedure might be straightforward for visible teeth or more complex, such as a surgical extraction for impacted or fractured teeth, including wisdom teeth. Once a tooth is removed, a blood clot develops in the socket to shield the exposed bone and aid in the gradual healing process.
This blood clot formation is crucial. It acts as a protective barrier over the surgical area and helps your body begin the natural healing process. Disturbing the clot can result in a painful complication called dry socket, where the underlying bone and nerves become exposed.
Why Alcohol Is a Bad Idea After an Extraction
So, can you drink alcohol 24 hours after a tooth extraction? In short, no.
Dentists strongly suggest avoiding alcohol during the first 24 to 72 hours after any tooth extraction. Here’s why:
Alcohol Disrupts Clot Formation
Drinking alcohol may disrupt the formation of the blood clot, potentially leading to further bleeding or complete dislodgement of the clot. This raises the risk of dry socket, a complication that delays healing and causes severe pain.
Alcohol Increases Blood Pressure
Alcohol can raise your blood pressure, potentially leading to excessive bleeding from the extraction site. This is especially dangerous in the first few fragile hours after the procedure, when the surgical area is at its most vulnerable.
Alcohol Interferes with Medications
You may be prescribed pain relief medications or antibiotics after your procedure. Mixing these with alcoholic drinks can reduce their effectiveness, worsen side effects, or cause dangerous reactions. It’s particularly important to avoid alcohol if you’re taking pain medication like opioids or anti-inflammatories.
Alcohol Slows the Healing Process
Alcohol consumption can delay healing by weakening your immune system and dehydrating your body. A dehydrated mouth slows down the creation of granulation tissue, which is necessary to close the wound and promote healing.
What You Can Do Instead
To encourage healing and promote a smoother, more comfortable recovery, consider the following safer options for the first 24 to 72 hours after your tooth extraction:
Drink Water, Not Wine
Stay hydrated with plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and help with circulation. Avoid fizzy drinks, hot liquids, and, of course, avoid drinking alcohol entirely.
Stick to a Soft Diet
Opt for soft foods that require minimal chewing and are easy to swallow, such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, or soup. A soft diet avoids disturbing the clot or irritating the surrounding gum tissue. Avoid spicy foods and anything that may get lodged in the extraction site.
Use Cold Compresses
To reduce minor swelling and provide comfort, place a cold compress on the outer side of your cheek during the initial 24 hours.
Practise Good Oral Hygiene Gently
Keeping a healthy mouth is key. Avoid brushing over the surgical site, but continue gently brushing other teeth and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection. You may be advised to rinse gently with salt water, but avoid swishing your mouth vigorously.
Don’t Smoke or Drink
Both alcohol and smoking impair healing and increase the risk of dry socket. This isn’t just about the first 24 hours; it’s best to avoid alcohol for up to a week, or until your dentist’s advice says otherwise.
Important Notes: Wisdom Teeth & Surgical Extractions
Extra caution is needed if you’ve had a surgical extraction or had your wisdom teeth removed. These cases often involve more trauma to the surrounding gum tissue, increasing the risk of complications. It’s even more important to avoid alcohol and follow your dentist’s recovery guidelines closely.
How Long Should You Wait to Resume Alcohol?
Even if you feel fine the next day, don’t rush into resuming alcohol consumption. Many dental professionals recommend steering clear of alcohol for at least 48 to 72 hours, though the exact timing may depend on how complex your procedure was and your personal health condition. Before resuming alcohol, check for the following:
- No ongoing bleeding or swelling
- No painful condition like dry socket
- No pain medication still in your system
- No concerning symptoms like bad breath, fever, or throbbing pain
If everything looks good, it’s generally safe to return to light alcohol consumption, but again, follow your dentist’s advice.
What If I Already Drank Alcohol Within 24 Hours?
If you’ve already had something from the alcohol cabinet too soon, monitor yourself closely and carefully. Watch for:
- Sudden or increased bleeding
- Throbbing or severe pain
- A foul taste or bad breath
- A hollow or empty feeling at the tooth socket
If any of these signs appear, contact your dentist right away. You may need additional treatment to manage dry socket or prevent infection.
Why Aftercare Matters So Much
After a tooth is removed, your body works hard to close the wound, protect the tooth socket, and begin rebuilding tissue. Alcohol gets in the way of that.
Skipping alcohol temporarily isn’t just a rule; it’s an essential step in:
- Preventing complications like dry socket
- Helping your body’s natural healing process
- Ensuring a successful recovery with minimal discomfort
- Reducing the chance of long-term issues like missing teeth or misalignment from poor healing
Whether it’s a front tooth, molar, or part of a broader cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic treatment plan, protecting the extraction site is key to long-term oral health.
In Summary
So, can you drink alcohol 24 hours after a tooth extraction?
No, you shouldn’t. Not if you want a quick, safe, and comfortable recovery.
It may be tempting to celebrate with a drink, but resisting that urge can mean the difference between a normal recovery and one marked by complications, additional treatment, and prolonged pain.
If you’re unsure about drinking after a recent extraction or want peace of mind about your recovery, book a consultation with us at Dental 266 or call 02 9051 0600. We’re here to help you feel confident in your aftercare and support your healing journey.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
McPhillips, A. (2024). ‘Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect’. WebMD, 22 July. New York, NY: WebMD LLC.
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
Kubala, J. (2023). ‘Soft Food Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid’. Healthline, 15 March. San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soft-food-diet
Cleveland Clinic (2025). ‘Dry Socket’. Cleveland Clinic, 5 May. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17731-dry-socket
