If you need to have a tooth extraction for the sake of your oral health, you will be given some instructions for taking care of your mouth afterward so that you can avoid unnecessary complications. You may need to make a few changes to your daily routine during the recovery process. Does this include having to skip your morning cup of coffee? Here’s what your oral surgeon has to say.
Coffee After Tooth Extraction
Generally speaking, drinking coffee immediately after a tooth extraction is a bad idea. The main issue is the caffeine that the beverage contains. Since caffeine is known to increase your blood pressure, it could potentially cause the extraction site to bleed. It’s therefore best to wait to enjoy caffeinated beverages of any kind until your mouth has sufficiently healed.
You should especially stay away from piping hot coffee. This is due to the blood clot that will form at the extraction site after your tooth is removed. If the blood clot becomes dislodged for any reason, the result is a dry socket, which can be extremely painful and delay the healing process. Hot beverages of any kind have a high chance of dislodging the blood clot and as such should be avoided.
When Will You Be Able to Drink Coffee Again?
It’s somewhat hard to give a precise estimate since every patient heals at a different rate. That being said, many patients are able to drink coffee again after about five days. This is, of course, assuming that the recovery process is going as expected. If you notice any unusual symptoms – like discomfort or swelling growing worse over time instead of getting better – you should reach out to your oral surgeon immediately to see what they recommend.
What Should Your Diet Look Like After Tooth Extraction?
Water should be your beverage of choice after tooth extraction. After all, you need to stay hydrated if you want your body to heal in as little time as possible. Additionally, water is very gentle compared to other beverages and is unlikely to cause problems for your mouth. That said, you shouldn’t drink your water through a straw, as that could disturb your blood clot.
As for food, you should go for soft options such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and pasta. Soup can potentially be a good choice as long as it’s not too hot.
Remember, if you ever have any doubts about what you can eat or drink after your tooth extraction, simply get in touch with your oral surgeon to see what they recommend. By making sure that healing goes smoothly, you can ensure that you’ll be able to return to your normal dietary habits as soon as possible.
About the Author
At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons combine their knowledge and years of experience in order to bring state-of-the-art care to their patients in Jupiter. If you need a tooth removed, they’ll make sure that you stay as comfortable as possible during the procedure. To schedule a consultation at our practice, visit our website or call (561) 743-8311.