Getting your wisdom teeth removed is often a necessary measure to accommodate the incoming permanent teeth, resulting in more space and ultimately, better oral health. But just how soon can you enjoy a hot mug of coffee afterwards? Some dentists might suggest avoiding hot drinks for a period of 24-48 hours, but there’s a lot of debate about whether this is actually true.
According to Professor Jared A. McKinney, Vice-Dean at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, hot beverages do not actually cause harm after wisdom teeth removal, but the immediate condition of the patient should be taken into consideration. He claims that ‘hot coffee does not cause harm after tooth extraction if the patient is not experiencing severe bleeding or trauma to the surrounding tissues’.
However, a lot of dentists still advise caution when it comes to hot coffee or tea after wisdom teeth removal. The concern is that the warm beverage can increase the blood flow in the area, resulting in increased pain, irritation or even damage to the area. For example, Dr. Vaheed Sehat, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at Northwestern University, advocate avoiding hot drinks and instead recommends sticking to cool or room temperature drinks.
A study by the University of Toronto tried to investigate the impact of hot drinks on patients who had recently had their wisdom teeth removed. Surprisingly, the study found that hot drinks had no effect whatsoever on the recovery of the patient. However, the authors of the study warned that the study had a limited sample size and more research would be needed to draw a more solid conclusion.
Taking both sides into account, we can conclude that drinking hot coffee shortly after wisdom teeth removal is generally not a cause for concern. According to Professor McKinney, it’s okay to enjoy warm beverages like coffee or tea as long as there’s no undue bleeding or trauma. However, for the vast majority of people, it’s best to wait at least a few hours before enjoying a hot cup of java.
Pain Management and Recovery
Once the wisdom teeth removal has been done, there is a period of recovery that needs to be completed and monitored in order for the patient to experience full healing. This period of recovery is known as the postoperative phase, and it typically lasts for about 1-2 weeks. During this time, the patient needs to take special care of the wound and practice appropriate pain management to minimize the potential for infection and to speed up the healing process.
Pain and swelling are common after wisdom tooth removal, but there are medications and techniques that can help. The patient should speak to their doctor or dentist to understand which painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs might be best suited for their condition. Additionally, applying cold compresses or using an ice pack to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and can also be beneficial for managing pain.
In some cases, the patient might also be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to take the medication as directed and to finish the course of medication, even if the symptoms have already subsided. This will ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.
In addition to these medications, the patient should also take care to keep the area clean and free from food particles and bacteria. This means brushing often and rinsing with saltwater for 3-4 times a day in order to keep the area free from any bacteria and food particles.
Precautions to Take Post-Surgery
After wisdom teeth removal, there are some necessary precautions that the patient needs to take in order to ensure a safe and effective recovery. It is important to follow the advice of the doctor and to take the prescribed medications in order to prevent any infection or complications.
When it comes to exercise, the patient should abstain from any vigorous activity until the wound has fully healed. Additionally, the patient should also be mindful to keep the area clean by brushing twice a day and rinsing with saltwater so as to prevent any infection.
In order to reduce the risk of infection, the patient should consider avoiding smoking during the recovery period. Smokers tend to have slow healing times, with a higher risk of infection, and so abstaining from smoking would be beneficial for a smoother healing process.
Patients should also be aware of any signs of infection, such as fever, redness or bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes. If any of these signs show up, it is important to contact the doctor immediately in order to receive the necessary treatment.
Alternatives to Hot Coffee
If a hot mug of coffee is just not an option, then there are a few alternatives that could be beneficial. If the patient is looking for a hot drink, they could opt for herbal teas or decaffeinated tea or coffee. These beverages still provide warmth and comfort, but are significantly less harsh and acidic than regular coffee.
Iced coffee and smoothies are also popular alternatives that provide refreshment and plenty of nutrition. Additionally, they offer a cool, soothing effect which can be beneficial for wound healing. For those who don’t enjoy coffee, milkshakes, juices and fruit smoothies can still provide comfort and nutrition.
Finally, for those who want something a little more indulgent, plenty of milkshakes and ice cream shakes are available which still provide plenty of nourishment. These options offer the patient an opportunity to enjoy a freshly prepared beverage whilst getting the necessary nutrients for their healing process.
Foods to Avoid
It is important to also be aware of which foods should and shouldn’t be avoided after wisdom teeth removal. Hard and crunchy foods should be avoided as these can cause damage to the wound. Additionally, hot and spicy foods should also be avoided, as this can cause discomfort and can potentially result in excessive bleeding.
Sticky and chewy foods should also be avoided, as these can stick to the back of the wound and encourage bacteria growth. Alcohol should also be avoided, as this can thin the blood and can cause unnecessary bleeding. Lastly, acidic and sugary foods should be avoided as these can irritate the wound and potentially slow down the healing process.
General Aftercare
In addition to pre and postoperative measures, the patient should also take general aftercare into account. It is important to avoid any activities that involve strain or trauma to the affected area, as this can cause heavy bleeding and can therefore weaken the healing process.
Having a good oral hygiene routine is also essential, both pre and post-surgery. This means brushing and flossing often, and using mouthwash in order to prevent any bacteria or food particles from entering the healing wound. As previously mentioned, rinsing the area with saltwater solution 4-5 times a day can also help to speed up the healing process..
Lastly, it is important for the patient to get enough rest in order to promote healing. Staying hydrated and consuming plenty of nutrients can also help to boost the recovery process. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants can provide energy and can help the wound heal quicker..
