If you’re a coffee drinker, you likely rely on your cup of joe each morning to get up and motivated. When you’re tired or groggy, that first delicious sip can seemingly turn things around. If you’ve just had a tooth extracted, however, your dentist might have directed you to take a break for a little while.
It’s natural to be frustrated that you’ll have to put a hold on your daily dose of caffeine, but it’s in your best interests. Taking a brief break can help prevent complications so that you can heal more quickly. If you’re annoyed that you can’t enjoy coffee immediately after your tooth extraction, continue reading to learn why this may be necessary!
Why Can’t I Drink Coffee After My Tooth Extraction?
You should follow your dentist’s post-op instructions in detail after your procedure to ensure that you recover as efficiently as possible. Typically, part of their orders includes avoiding overly hot drinks after your procedure.
This is because once your tooth is removed, there’s nothing in place to shield the underlying bone and nerves. They’re left exposed and are vulnerable to the germs in your mouth. They can become infected or irritated unless a blood clot forms over the sound to protect the sensitive materials. This stops any bleeding and allows your mouth below your gums to begin to heal.
Unfortunately, hot liquids can dislodge this clot and cause a painful complication known as dry socket. That means foregoing your hot coffee for a few days.
Can I Drink Cold Brew After My Tooth Extraction?
It’s natural to assume you’d be better off sipping cold brew in the meantime, but that’s not always safe, either. You might want to avoid caffeine at all in the first 24 hours after your surgery to allow your body to get enough rest to mend itself. It’s better to sip on water, instead, to hydrate your systems so that they can function smoothly. Remember, though, not to drink from a straw because the suction force can also damage the blood clot.
When Can I Enjoy Coffee After My Tooth Extraction?
The timeline can vary based on whether your blood clot remained in place or was removed at some point. Usually, you can safely consume hot beverages again after about 5 days, but it may be longer if this cover is harmed. It’s sometimes acceptable to have room-temperature coffee in the meantime, but you might want to check with your dentist before you indulge to ensure it won’t hinder your healing.
Thankfully, it generally takes only a couple of weeks to fully mend. Once you’re recovered and can resume your regular daily routine, you’ll be glad you waited!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Hammond, you and your family benefit from a team of highly skilled dentists who offer a wide array of dental services under one roof. They are experienced in handling everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures like tooth extractions. They prioritize patient care which means they take the time to get to know your concerns so they can provide fully individualized solutions to meet them. Plus, with state-of-the-art technology onsite, you’re sure to get accurate and long-lasting results. If you think you might need to have a tooth removed, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (219) 933-4900.