Can I Enjoy Coffee After Having a Tooth Extraction?

While nobody really wants to have a tooth extraction, they can be necessary to preserve a patient’s oral and overall health. While the surgery itself is rendered painless by anesthesia, the recovery process isn’t known for being terribly comfortable, and many patients may be eager to get back to their old habits so they can have some normalcy. While coffee is a beloved beverage across the world and a daily pleasure for many people, you should take care to avoid it for a few days after having an extraction. Here’s how coffee can lead to complications during the recovery process and a few alternatives to enjoy.

What Complications Can Drinking Coffee Cause After Tooth Extraction?

Hot beverages are to be avoided after having a tooth extracted. Since the nerve endings in the surgical site will be sensitive and vulnerable, hot liquids can result in pain. They can also interfere with the wound forming a blood clot, an essential part of the healing process. If a blood clot fails to form or if it falls off the wound, the jawbone and sensitive tissues will be exposed to the oral environment, resulting in a severely painful condition called dry socket. If you have dry socket, you will need to contact your dentist for further instructions and to schedule a treatment.

Cold coffee isn’t much better immediately after implant surgery, but enjoying coffee at room temperature is usually okay. However, take care to enjoy it in moderation for the first twenty-four hours after extraction, as excessive caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration, insufficient saliva flow, and other oral health issues.

What’s an Alternative to Coffee After Tooth Extraction?

Water is always the best beverage for your oral health because it helps wash your mouth clean, contains no sugars, acids, or other harmful chemicals, and stimulates the healthy saliva flow that your mouth needs to stay healthy and comfortable. However, it’s crucial that you avoid drinking through a straw, as the pressure of the sucking motion can lead to dry socket. Drinking water liberally after extraction will also help you heal more quickly and thoroughly.

You should wait a few days after extraction before you start drinking coffee again and take it slow for the first few days to prevent dehydration. By taking care of your mouth after oral surgery, you can help ensure a speedy recovery and get back to enjoying coffee again sooner.

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Creighton School of Dentistry and has trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association. Her office in Gilbert, AZ offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as tooth extractions. For more information on taking care of your mouth after having a tooth pulled, contact the office online or dial (480) 279-3100.