Q&A with Top Doctors

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

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.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can I have my teeth cleaned during lactation?

In general, it is safe to have teeth cleaning during lactation.

Before the teeth cleaning, you should inform the dentist that you are currently breastfeeding, so that the dentist can choose appropriate cleaning methods and medications based on your specific situation, avoiding medications that might affect the quality of breast milk. It is recommended to schedule teeth cleaning within one hour after breastfeeding, ensuring the breasts have been emptied and reducing contact between medications and breast milk. Before and after teeth cleaning, you should continue maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth, using dental floss, and mouthwash, to prevent oral diseases.

However, please note that during the teeth cleaning process, special caution should be exercised if medications or mouthwashes are needed. Women who are breastfeeding should inform the dentist beforehand so that medications harmless to both mother and baby can be selected. Additionally, for a period of time after teeth cleaning, breastfeeding should be avoided to reduce the risk of transmitting medications or chemicals to the infant through breast milk.

After teeth cleaning, closely monitor your baby's reaction. If your baby shows signs of discomfort or unusual behavior, consult your doctor promptly. Lactating women should seek treatment at a reputable hospital to avoid improper procedures that could damage surrounding tissues or nerves, causing unnecessary harm to your body.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can yellow teeth become white after a dental cleaning?

In general, whether yellow teeth can become whiter through scaling depends on the cause of the discoloration. Scaling can be effective for extrinsic staining but has limited effect on intrinsic discoloration.

Scaling can remove surface stains on the teeth, such as those caused by long-term smoking or consumption of tea or coffee. With professional scaling procedures, these extrinsic stains can be effectively removed, allowing teeth to return to their natural color. Dental scaling primarily uses ultrasound or manual instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and some external stains such as tea or tobacco stains from the tooth surface. These substances, when attached to the teeth over a long period, can cause teeth to appear yellow or black. Scaling can restore the natural color of the teeth, making them appear whiter.

If the yellowing of the teeth is due to intrinsic factors such as tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or hereditary yellow teeth, scaling will have limited effect. In these cases, the discoloration typically results from pigment deposition or structural abnormalities within the dentin or enamel. More specialized whitening treatments, such as in-office bleaching, dental veneers, or porcelain crowns, may be required to improve the appearance.

It is important not to scale teeth too frequently, as excessive scaling may damage the enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity and other issues. Generally, it is recommended to undergo scaling once or twice a year to maintain oral health. If you are dissatisfied with your tooth color, it is advisable to consult a professional dentist. The dentist will determine the specific cause of the tooth discoloration and provide suitable treatment recommendations, developing a personalized treatment plan.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Is it safe to have a dental cleaning during menstruation?

In general, it is usually not recommended to undergo dental scaling during menstruation.

During a woman's menstrual period, hormonal changes cause the capillary blood vessels in the gums to dilate and become more permeable. As a result, the gums tend to bleed more easily during scaling than usual. Additionally, women's clotting ability is reduced during menstruation, which may lead to increased bleeding and prolonged bleeding time during dental scaling. The immune system is relatively weaker during this period, increasing the risk of infection at the scaling wound site. Bacteria in the mouth can more easily enter the bloodstream through damaged gum tissue, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Infection may lead to symptoms such as gum swelling and pain, and in severe cases, could even cause the spread of oral inflammation. During menstruation, women may already experience discomfort such as abdominal pain and backaches; the discomfort and potential bleeding during scaling might further exacerbate these symptoms, affecting emotional well-being and quality of life.

However, if a patient develops conditions such as tartar or gingivitis during her menstrual period, dental scaling can still be performed, but warm water should be used during the procedure to avoid excessively cold or hot water, which could cause discomfort. It is recommended that women try to avoid dental scaling during their period. If scaling is necessary, it is advisable to wait 2-3 days after the completion of the menstrual period to reduce the risks of infection and bleeding. Before undergoing scaling, it is important to inform the dentist about one's physical condition so that the dentist can make an appropriate judgment and recommendation based on the actual situation.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can I use watermelon frost spray after tooth extraction?

Under normal circumstances, when the wound condition is good or slightly inflamed after tooth extraction, Cucurbita Powder (Xigua Shuang) can be used. However, it is not recommended when the wound is severely infected or inflamed.

If there is no infection or inflammation in the extraction wound, such as no obvious redness, swelling, pain, or pus discharge, an appropriate amount of Cucurbita Powder may be applied. Its effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and relieving pain can help alleviate post-extraction discomfort. However, care should be taken to avoid directly spraying onto the extraction wound to prevent irritation or infection. Cucurbita Powder can only relieve symptoms of mild inflammation but cannot completely cure an infection. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly cleaning the wound are essential during use.

If signs of significant infection or inflammation appear, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus discharge, antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cephalexin capsules should be used under medical guidance. In such cases, Cucurbita Powder should not be applied. If the patient is allergic to Cucurbita Powder, adverse reactions such as rashes or itching may occur, and its use should be avoided.

Therefore, for patients who have just undergone tooth extraction, unless specifically instructed by a physician, immediate use of Cucurbita Powder is not recommended. The correct approach is to follow post-operative instructions, maintain oral hygiene, avoid eating hard, hot, or cold foods, and monitor the healing progress. If abnormal symptoms such as persistent pain, worsening swelling, or fever occur, timely medical consultation is necessary. Once the wound has largely healed and there are no significant discomforts, if mild pain or discomfort remains, consult your physician to determine whether Cucurbita Powder or other medications may be used to assist in symptom relief.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can I rinse my mouth with normal saline after tooth extraction?

In general, after tooth extraction, you may rinse your mouth with normal saline, but you must strictly follow the time and method requirements. Rinsing with normal saline helps clean the oral cavity and prevent infection; however, improper operation may cause bleeding or dislodgement of the blood clot, thus affecting healing.

A blood clot forms at the extraction site, which is key to the healing process. Rinsing too early, especially forceful rinsing, may disrupt the blood clot, leading to bleeding, infection, or dry socket. If your dentist recommends using normal saline immediately after the surgery, strictly follow their instructions, usually gentle swishing rather than forceful rinsing. After 24 hours, when the blood clot has become preliminarily stable, you may gently rinse the wound with normal saline, but avoid vigorous movements.

Use 0.9% normal saline (isotonic saline), which has an osmotic pressure close to that of human body cells and will not irritate the wound. Place a small amount of saline in your mouth, tilt your head slightly, allowing the saline to slowly contact the extraction site, swish gently for 30 seconds, and then spit it out carefully. Do not puff your cheeks or spit forcefully, as this may dislodge the blood clot. Rinsing 3-4 times daily is sufficient, with better results after meals or before bedtime.

Rinsing with normal saline after tooth extraction is an effective measure to maintain oral hygiene and promote wound healing. It not only helps prevent infection but also alleviates postoperative discomfort, making it an important part of oral postoperative care. If you experience persistent pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or other abnormal conditions, seek medical attention promptly for further treatment and guidance.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can a decayed tooth be extracted?

In general, tooth decay refers to dental caries, which can be extracted under specific circumstances, although this is not the preferred treatment option. The treatment for dental caries depends on its severity and specific condition, with tooth extraction typically being the last resort.

Extraction is an option when tooth decay has caused extensive damage to the tooth, leaving only a residual root or crown that cannot be restored through procedures like filling. If decay leads to pulp infection, causing pulpitis or apical periodontitis that cannot be cured through root canal treatment and other methods, extraction may be the best treatment option. When decay causes serious destruction of the supporting tissues around the tooth, resulting in loosening and making the tooth irreparable, extraction becomes necessary. If a decayed tooth is malpositioned, affecting normal oral function and aesthetics, and cannot be corrected through orthodontic treatment, extraction may be considered.

If the cavity is small and has not affected the tooth root and nerve, generally extraction is unnecessary. The decayed tissue can be removed through cutting and drilling, and then the cavity can be filled with artificial materials to restore the tooth's shape. If the cavity is large but has not caused pulpitis, root canal treatment can be performed to remove the dead pulp tissue and preserve the tooth.

The decision to extract a decayed tooth should comprehensively consider the severity, location of the decay, and its impact on overall oral health. In most cases, dentists will make every effort to preserve natural teeth, as no prosthetic restoration can fully replace the function and aesthetics of natural teeth. Therefore, regular dental checkups and timely treatment of mild to moderate tooth decay are key to preventing decay from progressing to the point of requiring extraction.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Will it hurt after having a tooth pulled?

In general, pain may be experienced after tooth extraction, but the intensity, duration, and ways of relief vary among individuals.

During the extraction process, separation of the tooth from surrounding tissues, such as the gums and alveolar bone, causes local tissue damage, resulting in postoperative pain. In complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth or buried teeth, where more tissue incision and bone removal are required, postoperative pain may be more pronounced. After tooth extraction, local tissues will exhibit an acute inflammatory response, including redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which is a normal healing process of the body following trauma, usually lasting 3-5 days.

If the blood clot in the extraction socket becomes dislodged or fails to form, exposing the alveolar bone to the oral environment, dry socket may develop. This condition is characterized by severe pain that worsens 3-5 days after extraction, bad breath, and an empty-looking socket. To reduce post-extraction pain, patients can take certain measures, such as using painkillers as advised by the dentist, maintaining oral hygiene, and avoiding chewing food on the affected side. Additionally, brushing and rinsing should be avoided for the first 24 hours after extraction to prevent dislodging the blood clot and delaying wound healing.

If the pain following tooth extraction is extremely severe, lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by abnormal symptoms such as high fever or excessive bleeding, patients should contact their dentist or seek medical attention immediately to rule out possible complications.

avatar
Dr. Liu Chao
May 28, 2025
Can bitter melon be eaten raw?

In general, bitter melon can be eaten raw, but its consumption should be determined based on individual health conditions, with appropriate quantity, to fully benefit from its nutritional value while avoiding potential risks.

Eating bitter melon raw helps preserve nutrients such as vitamin C, minerals, and dietary fiber to the maximum extent. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost immunity; minerals like potassium and magnesium play important roles in maintaining heart function and stabilizing blood pressure; dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps prevent constipation.

Consuming bitter melon raw can help clear heat, reduce internal heat symptoms, improve vision, and aid detoxification. It also stimulates gastric juice secretion, enhances appetite, and has the effect of strengthening the spleen and improving digestion.

However, there are some risks associated with eating raw bitter melon. If not thoroughly washed, the surface of bitter melon may retain pesticide residues, bacteria, or parasite eggs, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption. Additionally, bitter melon is cold in nature and may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen symptoms in individuals with weak or cold spleen and stomach conditions.

Although bitter melon is nutritionally rich, individuals with cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach should avoid consuming it raw, as its cold nature may stimulate the intestines and cause adverse reactions. Furthermore, individuals with low blood sugar should also be cautious, as components in bitter melon may cause a continuous decrease in blood glucose levels.

avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 28, 2025
Can Yasmin regulate menstruation?

Yasmin refers to Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets. This oral contraceptive primarily consists of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol and is commonly used to regulate menstruation.

A normal menstrual cycle depends on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. When this regulatory mechanism becomes disrupted, menstrual disorders may occur. The estrogen and progestin contained in Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets can mimic the body's natural hormonal cycle, inhibit ovulation, regulate the growth and shedding of the endometrium, thereby adjusting the menstrual cycle, reducing menstrual flow, and alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms.

However, there are various causes of menstrual disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, and other conditions, as well as factors like excessive mental stress, extreme dieting, and environmental changes. Not all cases are suitable for regulation with Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets.

If you intend to use Yasmin to regulate your menstruation, it is recommended to first visit a gynecology department at a hospital for tests such as a six-hormone panel and gynecological ultrasound to determine the specific cause of the menstrual disorder.

avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
May 28, 2025