While people don’t typically think favorably about tooth extractions, they can sometimes be necessary to prevent infection and protect the health of the rest of the mouth. Dentists will not recommend an extraction unless they believe it is necessary, and one can save a patient from chronic pain and other health concerns. While you might be eager for life to get back to normal after a tooth extraction, it’s best to delay getting back into your coffee habit. Here’s why you should wait a few days before drinking coffee after tooth extraction.
Why Shouldn’t I Drink Coffee for a While After Having a Tooth Pulled?
After a tooth extraction, the surgical site will be quite sensitive and vulnerable. Forming a blood clot over the wound is an essential part of the healing process, and failing to develop one or allowing one to fall off can result in a severely painful condition called dry socket. With dry socket, the wound will be exposed to the oral environment, leaving the distressed tissues, nerves, and bone structure vulnerable to irritation and injury.
Since coffee is typically served hot or cold, the sudden changes in temperature that come with drinking it can disrupt the healing process and prevent a clot from forming or cause one to come loose. While dry socket is certainly painful, it can also cause delays in the healing process.
To make matters worse, coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that has a dehydrating effect on the body. Without sufficient hydration, it becomes much more difficult for the wound to heal quickly and thoroughly.
What Should I Drink Instead of Coffee?
After tooth extraction surgery, you can expect your mouth to be tender and sensitive. It’s best to stick to soft, bland foods that cause minimal stress and require minimal effort during the chewing process. For a beverage, you should stick with water because it contains no sugar that can feed infectious bacteria and no acids that can irritate the surgical wound. It will also keep you hydrated enough for your healing to stay on track.
If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, it’s best to wait at least five days before resuming your coffee habit. By taking care to protect the surgical site, you can stay on track for a speedy recovery.
About the Practice
Warwick Dentistry provides the most excellent oral healthcare available in Pittsburgh, PA. Led by Drs. Joyce and John Warwick, the staff ensures each patient receives courteous and compassionate service and achieves remarkable results from their treatments. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as tooth extractions. For more information on aftercare for tooth extractions, contact the office online or dial (412) 391-1130.