Coffee in a white cup on a table surrounded by the smell of coffee… For many people, the best way to start the day is with a hot cup of coffee.
No matter which part of the coffee drinker you are, you may need to reconsider this routine after a tooth extraction.
Read on to find out why you should avoid coffee after tooth extraction and what you can drink instead.
How does coffee affect healing?
After the oral surgeon extracts your tooth, a blood clot will form above the hole in your gums. This blood clot will help protect the opening from bacteria and support the healing process.
Drinking hot coffee after oral surgery can cause the blood clot to form or dislodge the newly formed blood clot. This can lead to a condition called dry socket, which can cause severe pain and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. To reduce your risk of developing dry socket, avoid coffee for a few days after having your tooth extracted.
Alternative drinks after tooth extraction
Staying hydrated, even after minor oral surgery, can help ensure proper healing and avoid dry socket. While you should not consume coffee, there are plenty of other beverages you can enjoy after your extraction;
.Water : Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep food particles away from the extraction site.
.Sports drinks : Non-carbonated sports drinks are effectively hydrated, but they often contain high levels of sugar. If you consume sports drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
.Milk : Milk is both nutritious and a good source of calcium, which helps strengthen teeth.
.Smoothies : Smoothies can help you get the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, especially if you are eating less after oral surgery. However, be sure to stay away from fruits with small seeds such as blackberries and strawberries. These seeds can get stuck in the hole in your gum and cause complications.
Whatever you choose to drink after having your tooth extracted, avoid using a straw. The suction from drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot that protects your gums.
When Can You Drink Coffee Again?
While each patient recovers at a slightly different pace, most people can start drinking small amounts of coffee about 5 days after the extraction. If all goes well, the swelling should decrease and your mouth should be mostly healed within 2 weeks. At this point, you can return to drinking normal amounts of coffee.
