After your dentist removes a tooth, you’ll likely be left with empty sockets. You might feel self-conscious about hiding your smile for a while, but with the right care, you can heal quickly and get your confidence back in no time. In time, you’ll likely get used to not having that tooth. But what about now? Is it okay to drink coffee after tooth extraction or should you avoid it for a certain period of time? Let’s find out!
Can I Drink Coffee After Tooth Extraction?
You can drink coffee after tooth extraction, as long as you do so carefully. Coffee is acidic and will irritate the gums if it spills into the empty socket. You should be able to drink coffee without spilling it into the empty socket. If you are worried about this, then you should avoid drinking coffee for a few days after your tooth extraction.
How Long Should You Avoid Drinking Coffee After Tooth Extraction?
- You can drink coffee after tooth extraction.
- The healing process for tooth extraction varies depending on the type of extraction, and the state of your oral health.
- Generally, you can expect to experience some level of healing after tooth extraction, regardless of the tooth type.
- Coffee is high in caffeine, which can irritate your gums and cause or worsen sores in your mouth if you drink coffee after tooth extraction.
- If you drink coffee after tooth extraction, you may exacerbate the healing process of your mouth.
- Coffee is acidic and will irritate the gums if it spills into the empty socket.
- You should not drink coffee after a tooth extraction if you are feeling nauseous, vomiting, or experiencing any other type of gastrointestinal distress.
- If you’re feeling nauseous or vomiting, then wait until your stomach settles before consuming foods or beverages because this may help reduce your symptoms and improve your chances of a full recovery; in addition, if you consume coffee after tooth extraction while experiencing these symptoms, it may irritate and inflame the tissues in your mouth and exacerbate any damage that’s already been done.
- If you’re experiencing severe pain after tooth extraction, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks until the discomfort subsides because they can increase your pain levels; the analgesic effects of caffeine last for a few hours at most; by contrast, pain from a tooth extraction can last for days or weeks depending on the procedure performed; as such, if you consume caffeine after tooth extraction, then it may prolong the duration of your discomfort rather than providing immediate relief from it.
- In conclusion: drink coffee after tooth extraction only when given permission by a doctor who is aware of all relevant circumstances surrounding your dental procedure such as type of extractions performed (emergency/non-emergency), history and severity of oral health problems (if any), medication use (if any), etc.; avoid drinking coffee immediately following procedures such as emergency extractions due to their invasive nature; wait until swelling subsides and pain settles down before drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages again.
Tips To Care For Sore Mouth And Mouth Sores After Tooth Extraction
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and to flush out bacteria.
- Use a soft toothbrush or washcloth to gently clean your teeth and gums, especially in areas that are tender, swollen, or sore.
- Use a dental rinse to eliminate bad breath.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort if necessary.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your face on the affected side where you had the surgery if you have swelling, pain or discomfort. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin, and never place an ice pack directly on the skin of your face for more than 15 minutes at a time. If numbness is present, do not apply ice at all.
- Wear an elastic bandage around your head if you had surgery on your lower jaw bone (mandible) that goes through the soft tissue under your chin area to help reduce swelling and bleeding from the extraction site, as well as any pain and discomfort from pulling on stitches in this area. You may also wear it around other parts of your head for added comfort if necessary after tooth extraction surgery as well.
- Place an ice pack on the outside of your face over the area where you had surgery if you have swelling, pain, or discomfort. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin, and never place an ice pack directly on the skin of your face for more than 15 minutes at a time. If numbness is present, do not apply ice at all.
- Ask your dentist or doctor about taking antibiotics to prevent infection if you have a history of developing them after tooth extraction or other dental surgeries.
- If you are experiencing any tooth pain or discomfort after extraction, you may need to have a root canal or denture crown procedure to remove the nerve damage caused by the extraction. You will need to make an appointment with your dentist so they can check that no infection has set in and give you any medications needed to treat it.
- If you have a history of developing gum disease or have had it in the past, make sure to see your dentist regularly for a clean, regular dental cleaning.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking causes tooth decay and gum disease, as well as other diseases that can lead to more extensive dental problems.
- Wear a mouth guard if you are playing sports (such as football) or doing any heavy work that requires you to clench your teeth together such as grinding your teeth at night while sleeping (called bruxism) or clenching your jaw when talking.
- If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort after extraction surgery, talk with your dentist about treatment options to alleviate the pain and discomfort so it doesn’t continue into the healing process and result in further complications.
Bottom Line
After tooth extraction, it’s best to wait a few days before you resume your normal diet. It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene and take care of your mouth sores. For the best results, follow your dentist’s instructions and eat the recommended foods. You should avoid drinking coffee after tooth extraction for at least 48 hours. After that, you can resume your normal diet, including coffee, if you want.
