After wisdom teeth removal, it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 to 72 hours to allow proper healing and blood clot formation at the extraction site. Drinking alcohol too soon can cause increased bleeding, delay healing, and raise the risk of complications such as dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot is dislodged or fails to form
. More specifically:
- First 24 hours: Avoid all alcohol to allow blood clots to form and reduce bleeding risk
- First 72 hours: Continuing to avoid alcohol helps reduce swelling, pain, and risk of infection or dry socket
- 7 to 10 days: Most dentists recommend waiting about a week to 10 days before resuming alcohol, especially if you are still taking pain medications, as alcohol can interfere with healing and medication effectiveness
- After 2 weeks: Drinking alcohol is typically safe if your recovery is going well and there are no complications, but always confirm with your dentist or oral surgeon
In the meantime, focus on staying hydrated with water and non-alcoholic beverages, avoid straws to prevent dislodging the clot, and follow all post- operative care instructions for optimal recovery
. In summary, waiting at least 3 days and preferably up to 1-2 weeks before drinking alcohol after wisdom teeth removal is recommended to ensure proper healing and avoid complications
