Caring for Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting endeavor, one that often comes with pain and the need for strict aftercare instructions. It’s important to follow those instructions precisely, which often include a strict diet for the first few days and avoiding certain beverages. This means that many people find themselves wondering, ‘Can I drink coffee a week after wisdom tooth extraction?’
The short answer is, it depends. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages, like tea, have a few properties that can have a negative impact on the healing process. This is why many dentists and oral surgeons recommend abstaining from them for at least 24 hours following the procedure – and in the case of coffee, the potential risks may even extend beyond the initial 24 hour period.
When it comes to drinking coffee a week after wisdom tooth extraction, it depends on how your body and the wound are healing. Coffee has a few components that raise concerns in regards to how it will affect the healing process. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it has diuretic properties, meaning that it can make you pee more — this, in turn, will cause your body to lose more fluids, potentially leading to dehydration.
What’s more, caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of dental sensitivity. This means that if your recovery is incomplete or slower than anticipated, the sensitivity may increase due to the caffeine. Plus, many types of coffee contain small amounts of acid, which can aggravate healing wounds, irritate them, and cause inflammation. Additionally, if you have opted for sutures, caffeine can increase blood flow and make it harder for the wound to heal properly.
Furthermore, there are a few things to consider in regards to wisdom tooth extraction and infection. Any surgery carries a risk of infection, and the last thing you want to do is slow down the healing process with consuming coffee. In other words, it’s best to play it safe and avoid consuming coffee in favor of liquids that are easy to swallow, such as water or herbal teas. It’s always best to consult your dentist or oral surgeon first before consuming coffee after wisdom tooth extraction, just to make sure it’s safe to do so.
The Painful and Discomforting Symptoms After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most people experience pain, swelling and discomfort directly after wisdom tooth extraction and not just in the first few days. This is a result of the surgical procedure and can extend to the week after the procedure. Therefore, if you are considering having coffee the week after wisdom tooth extraction, it is especially important to consult your dentist or oral surgeon first.
One of the most common side effects of surgery is increased sensitivity to cold or hot beverages. Therefore, if you have had a surgical procedure to remove your wisdom teeth, then any cold or hot beverages, including coffee can cause further pain or even disruption in your recovery.
The process of healing from wisdom tooth extraction is long and you should take into consideration that drinking coffee a week after the surgery can slow down the healing process. Coffee is acidic in nature and when hot, the acid increases in potency which can, in turn, cause further irritation and aggravation of the wound due to the extraction, leading to an increased risk of infection.
It is also important to note that drinking coffee a week after the surgery should not be done without the consultation of your dentist or oral surgeon as they may also issue further instructions or advice on how best to manage the healing process.
Pain Medication and Alternatives to Coffee
Your doctor may prescribe post-operative pain medications for use at home for the pain caused by wisdom tooth extraction. Some of these medications may interact adversely with caffeine if you consume it with the medications. It is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before taking any medications as well as consuming coffee a week after the procedure.
If taking coffee a week after wisdom tooth extraction results in increased sensitivity, then it is highly recommended to switch to alternatives such as herbal teas, green tea or any other non-caffeinated beverage. These are often kinder to the palate after surgery, but you should make sure to keep them at lukewarm temperatures as to avoid any further pain or discomfort that may result from a hot beverage.
Additionally, you should avoid any sugary drinks such as juices or sodas. Sugary drinks are known to cause oral health issues, so it’s best to skip them during the healing process from your wisdom tooth extraction. Instead, focus on fluids that will help to keep you hydrated, such as water and herbal tea.
Conclusion
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting procedure, but with proper care and attention paid to the healing process, you can enjoy a smoother recovery. As far as drinking coffee goes a week after wisdom tooth extraction, it’s highly recommend avoiding it to reduce the risk of further pain, infection and disruption of the healing process. In addition to avoiding caffeine, make sure to stick to drinks that are easier on the palette and don’t contain any added sugar.
