Can I drink alcohol three days after having a tooth extracted?

May 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 22 years old. I recently had a tooth extracted, but my close friend wants me to go out with her. I would like to know whether it is okay to drink alcohol three days after having a tooth pulled.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to consume alcohol three days after a tooth extraction.

After tooth extraction, the gingival tissue is damaged and bleeding commonly occurs. By the third day, the gingival tissue has not yet fully recovered. Alcohol consumption can cause vasodilation and accelerate blood circulation, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. If bleeding cannot be controlled, it may lead to serious consequences. During the extraction process, the oral mucosa may also be damaged, allowing easier bacterial invasion. Alcohol is irritating and can promote capillary dilation, potentially triggering inflammation. In individuals with weakened immune systems, alcohol consumption may spread the infection, potentially leading to systemic complications such as sepsis or bacteremia.

Alcohol can irritate nerves, aggravate local tissue damage and inflammatory responses, and increase pain around the extraction wound, affecting daily life and sleep quality. Alcohol also affects the body's metabolism and immune function, delaying the healing process. The extraction wound requires time to heal, and alcohol consumption may prolong the recovery period, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. Alcohol intake can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, constrict peripheral blood vessels, and elevate blood pressure.

For individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease or hypertension, drinking alcohol after tooth extraction may cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, raising the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Antibiotics may be used after tooth extraction to prevent infection, and alcohol consumption may trigger a disulfiram-like reaction, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, even endangering life.

For your health and safety, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption for a short period after tooth extraction until the mouth has fully healed. If you have special circumstances or questions, it is advisable to consult your attending physician for professional guidance based on your individual condition. Following medical advice and maintaining a proper diet and lifestyle can help speed up the recovery process and reduce unnecessary risks.