Coffee can be one of the most desirable beverages in the morning. Millions of people rely on it to help them function each day, and it can have beneficial effects on one’s oral and overall health (depending on how it’s fixed, of course). But should it be consumed after a tooth extraction? Read on to learn whether a single cup of coffee could be problematic to the healing process and what you might choose as an alternative.
Is Drinking Coffee After Tooth Extraction a Problem?
One of the instructions you can expect your dentist to provide after your procedure is to avoid hot foods and beverages for several days or up to one week. Unfortunately, this includes coffee.
The reason you should avoid it and all other hot drinks is that they can inhibit the healing process. Removing a tooth means exposing the nerve endings. This vulnerability opens the door to intense pain should you drink or eat anything with extreme temperatures.
Another reason is the potential to dislodge the blood clot that must form over the extraction site. If this happens, you can experience a dry socket, which is often painful and requires immediate attention.
What Can You Drink Instead?
Instead of reaching for a hot or even cold cup of coffee after a tooth extraction, consider water. Although you’ll want it to be lukewarm. This hydrating beverage has many benefits, including:
- It flushes out bad bacteria and food particles so that they do not adhere to your teeth and cause problems.
- It stimulates the salivary glands and neutralizes harmful acids inside your mouth.
- It will help you heal quicker.
It’s best to consume only water and soft foods for 1-2 days after your procedure. This will give your extraction sites time to heal and minimize the risk of a potential dry socket. Just be sure you do not sip or suck through a straw, as this can dislodge your blood clot.
When Can You Drink Coffee?
If you are to avoid coffee initially, you can safely begin consuming it again after five days. However, this is only recommended if you are experiencing no complications and are feeling better. Do not attempt to drink a large cup; instead, enjoy a few small sips.
After several weeks, you will begin to feel normal and can enjoy your normal cup in the morning.
Don’t compromise your post-surgical healing process. Follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure you are fully healed before indulging in your favorite morning beverage.
About the Author
Dr. Craig Harder has more than 20 years of experience in dentistry and enjoys serving the patients in Moses Lake and its surrounding communities. When providing complex treatment, like tooth extraction, he ensures each person receives detailed instructions to heal properly at home. If you are preparing for this procedure and have questions about post-operative recovery, contact us at (509) 765-4351 to schedule a consultation.