It may be a ritual for you to start your morning with a cup of coffee. You might head to a local café or make it right at home, but if you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, it might be your best bet to hold off for a few days. You’ve just undergone surgery, and drinking coffee can slow the healing process! Here is why you should avoid coffee, when it’s safe to drink it again after your tooth extraction, and other beverages to enjoy during your recovery.
Why You Should Avoid Drinking Coffee After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, you are essentially left with a hole in your mouth. Don’t worry—the space develops a blood clot to cover it, protect the nerve endings, and allow the tissue to heal. Taking proper care of yourself, like avoiding coffee, can help promote healing. If you aren’t careful with recovery, you could develop a dry socket.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges from the extraction site. The underlying nerves become exposed, which can lead to intense pain. Hot coffee, or any hot beverages, can irritate the extraction site, preventing the blood clot from forming or even washing the clot away. The caffeine in coffee can also contribute to dry mouth, which can be a problem for the blood clot. It relies on saliva to wash away oral bacteria and reduce the risk of infection at the extraction site.
When Can I Have Coffee Again After My Tooth Extraction?
Patience will be your best friend when it comes to drinking coffee after a tooth extraction. Typically, you should wait about five days before enjoying a hot cup of joe. Waiting this long allows the initial healing to occur and lowers the risk of disturbing the blood clot. It really just depends on how quickly your body heals. It’s best to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-extraction care.
If you are itching to have coffee sooner, there is one thing you can do. You can ease yourself into drinking coffee again by starting with lukewarm or cold brew. They are less likely to disrupt the healing process. When you gradually reintroduce hot coffee, it’s good to be aware of any discomfort or irritation around the extraction site. If you have any, it could be a sign that you need to wait a little longer.
What Else Can I Enjoy Besides Coffee After My Tooth Extraction?
Water is your best option when you are recovering from a tooth extraction. It’s gentle on the mouth and will help hydrate you so you can heal a little quicker. If you need a little flavor in your life, some options include cool herbal teas, fruit-infused water, clear soups, and smoothies. Some of these can even help your recovery journey, like chamomile tea or nutrient-rich bone broth.
While a tooth extraction will stop you from enjoying your daily cup of coffee for a short while, it won’t be long before you can dig into that liquid gold again.
About the Practice
Glastonbury Dental Associates is proud to provide excellent care to the community. Led by a team of dentists, they have the combined experience and expertise to ensure each patient receives top-tier treatment. If you’re preparing for or recovering from a tooth extraction, they will make sure your oral health journey stays as simple and effective as possible. For more details or to book an appointment, visit our website or call us at (860)633-3671.