How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee

After a tooth extraction procedure, a blood clot will form over the hole of your gums. While it may seem unnatural, the blood clot is necessary to protect the opening from bacteria and help with the healing process.  

When you drink hot coffee after the oral surgery, the hot beverage can prevent this blood clot from forming or dislodge the newly formed blood clot. If this happens, it may lead to a condition called dry socket, which can cause severe pain and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Don't drink hot coffee right after the procedure and a few days after it to reduce the risk of developing this condition. However, if you already did and developed this complication, inform your dentist right away. They know how to treat a dry socket, so you won’t have to experience more pain.  

Besides, staying away from hot coffee or any hot beverages can aid the healing process after tooth removal. Your nerve endings are vulnerable, especially when they're exposed. In addition, the heat from the beverage can cause pain in your nerve endings, which can cause more hassle and disrupt your daily routine.  

Lastly, according to a study by International Wound Journal, caffeine, which is known to have antioxidant properties, blocks keratinocyte proliferation and migration. This means that it has an inhibitory effect on wound healing. Therefore, if you drink caffeine after your surgery, the healing process will be delayed.  

How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee

After having your wisdom teeth removed, the tooth socket must develop scar tissue and heal properly after any tooth extraction. Hot or carbonated drinks can irritate the gums and interfere with the recovery process. Even iced coffee isn’t the safest beverage because of the caffeine and acidity in any type of coffee. In short, coffee after wisdom teeth surgery isn’t a good idea. The good news is if you’re healing correctly, you should be able to resume your daily cup in about five days post-surgery. Continue reading to learn more about drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee

Why Coffee Isn’t a Good Idea After a Tooth Extraction

Some dentists say it’s the caffeine. Others say it’s the acidity that can create a dry socket or the hot temperature which can irritate your gums. Regardless, health care professionals are fairly unanimous that you shouldn’t drink any type of coffee immediately following surgery. The wisest thing to do is wait about five days to enjoy your favorite cup again, if you’re healing correctly.

You should also avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol. These drinks are even worse than coffee because of their acidity. Alcohol should be avoided for a couple weeks post-surgery because it can damage the healing site and dehydrate your body. Your focus for the next few days should be on hydrating and healing so that you can return to your life with as few complications as possible.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee
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What’s Safe to Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The most recommended drinking option after surgery is (you guessed it) good old water. Some other ideas include finely blended smoothies, fruit juice, vitamin enhanced water, and Gatorade. Whatever you choose to eat or drink in the crucial few days following your operation, make sure they’re smooth, not crunchy or able to get stuck in your teeth and gums. Try to opt for nutritious food to give your body some natural recovery fuel and stay hydrated for best results.

Remember to never drink anything with a straw immediately after a tooth extraction! Your gums are trying to clot and become accustomed to the missing tooth. The straw could accidentally puncture the socket and cause pain and delayed healing.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee
Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

How long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee

Conclusion

Though you should wait a few days after surgery before enjoying a delicious brew, rest assured that you should be able to enjoy your favorite beverage within a week following surgery. You’ll appreciate the rich, earthy aromas of coffee even more after your medically induced “coffee break” and that first cup post-recovery will taste so good for the wait.

Sources

  • https://trilliumdentalgroup.com/blog/tooth-extraction-recommendations/
  • https://www.mvalleyoralsurgery.com/blog/safe-drink-coffee-after-tooth-extraction-cambridge/
  • https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-removal/alcohol-after-a-tooth-extraction-is-it-ok-to-have-a-drink
  • https://www.drjohnrusso.com/blog/tooth-extraction-orlando-coffee/
  • https://www.lrfamilydentalcare.com/blog/can-you-drink-coffee-after-tooth-extraction/
  • https://rockclifforalsurgery.com/blog/preventing-dry-socket/


Featured Image Credit: Lolame, Pixabay

Can I drink hot coffee 4 days after wisdom tooth extraction?

In order for your mouth to heal properly, you should avoid your favorite cup of coffee at least for the first few days. As long as the extraction site heals day after day, you'll be able to carefully sip a caffeinated beverage about 5 days once your tooth has been removed.

Why can't you drink coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

However, according to the Mayo Clinic, when a blood clot doesn't develop before your wound heals as it should, a dry socket occurs. This can lead to considerable pain, discomfort, and a bad taste in your mouth. Drinking coffee increases the risk of a dry socket.