How Soon After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Drink Coffee
Coffee is a staple start to many people’s day, but having a wisdom tooth pulled can throw a wrench in your morning routine. It’s important to understand when you can drink coffee and other hot liquids, both for oral health and comfort.
Often, wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are extracted due to poor fit or pocketing. Poor fit means the wisdom teeth are not able to come in completely, and pocketing means bacteria has accumulated in the gums around the teeth.
Even when a tooth is pulled without difficulty, the empty socket needs time to heal. A dry socket is a serious complication that can occur when the gums don’t heal properly, and scalding from hot liquids can further delay healing.
The safe amount of time for healing depends on the individual, according to Oral Surgeons Dr. Andrew & Dr. Colleen Milthorpe. After wisdom teeth removal every patient heals differently. Some individuals may be able to return to their normal hot liquids within a day but other patients may need to wait up to a week in order to have hot liquids without risk of dry socket.
To maintain oral health and oral hygiene, it is important to avoid drinking coffee and other hot liquids within the first few days after a wisdom teeth extraction. Any hot liquid during this time frame has the potential to impede healing by drying out the teeth socket. In addition, coffee and tea contain chemical compounds that inhibit proper healing, including tannic acid and caffeine.
When drinking coffee after surgery, it is important to avoid sugary blends, cappuccinos, or lattes. Sipping a sugar-free coffee that has not been sweetened with chemical additives is the safest choice after your extraction. Drinking coffee with a straw is always an option to reduce the potential for staining and bacteria in your mouth.
It is also recommended to include foods such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and mashed potatoes in your diet after wisdom teeth removal. These soft foods help maintain your flow of saliva and reduce the possibility of dry socket.
Risk of Getting a Dry Socket
While the risk of getting a dry socket tends to be lower when compared to other procedures in the mouth, it could still happen especially when care is not taken to maintain oral health.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the most common cause of dry socket is lack of post-operative care. Ways you can reduce the risk of developing a dry socket include:
- Avoid drinking through a straw
- Avoid drinking carbonated and alcoholic beverages
- Rinse with salt water
- Do not smoke
- Gently rinse after eating when necessary
- Stay hydrated
If you experience increased pain, swelling or an unpleasant taste or smell 48 hours after the procedure please contact your dentist immediately as these are symptoms of a dry socket.
Long Term Benefits
Although the pain and recovery may seem to overshadow the benefits of wisdom teeth removal, over-time feeling good and having healthy teeth will be worth the effort. Removing troubled teeth can help you achieve a better-looking smile, as well as improve your overall oral health.
Not only does this stop pain and discomfort, but it can prevent issues or diseases down the line about which no one wants to think. Gums surrounding wisdom teeth that are not adequately taken care of can affect neighboring teeth and cause rotten or chipped teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth can restore the natural balance of pressure in your mouth and also give your dentist a better view of your tooth alignment. Plus, it can reduce the risk of oral health issues such as decay and periodontal disease.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
A wisdom tooth extraction procedure can be completed in one visit to the dentist. Your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully and efficiently remove the tooth, while giving you anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable.
If you’re having more than one tooth removed, your dentist may place sutures at the extraction site. If this is the case for you, do not tug at or interfere with the sutures since this can delay proper healing and increase the risk of dry socket.
The actual procedure may take an hour or less. Once completed, rest and relax as much as possible for the remainder of the day. You may still experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but should take the prescribed medications and follow the dentist’s post-operative instructions.
The Recovery Process
Recovery from a wisdom teeth extraction depends on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. Typically, it takes 7-10 days for complete healing. During this time, you must be careful with eating and drinking. In the first 24 to 48 hours after the extraction, you should only drink water and avoid any hot liquids. After that, plan to avoid hot drinks, such as coffee, and very hot liquid meals such as soup, for approximately one week.
Avoid any activity that puts strain on your jaw, such as biting, chewing, or yawning. Do not touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Applying an ice pack for several minutes on any swollen areas can help ease the discomfort. Smokers, who are at higher risk for dry socket and slow healing, should also stay away from cigarettes for several days after the procedure.
When to Call Your Dentist
It’s important to let your dentist know if you are having any complication. Serious problems such as severe pain, swelling or fever could be a sign of infection or something called an airway reaction, which can be life-threatening. If something does not feel right, call your dentist right away.
They can then advise you on the best course of action and may even potentially call in medications to help reduce the symptoms.
It’s also important to be aware of your pain levels and to follow your doctor’s recommended over-the-counter medications. If you experience any increase in pain, contact your dentist right away.
Diet and Exercise During Wisdom Tooth Recovery
It’s recommended to eat soft, nutritious foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. Eating soft foods allows the extraction site to heal faster, reduces the risk of developing a dry socket, and keeps the area hydrated. Avoid acidic, spicy, and crunchy foods for the first few days. Maintaining a good diet will provide the nutrients necessary for optimal recovery.
In order for wisdom teeth recovery to be successful, you’ll need to get plenty of rest. Avoiding strenuous activities and exercise until your dentist gives you the all-clear can help speed up healing. After around two weeks, you can gradually reintroduce light exercise into your routine.
Following your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your mouth post-surgery is essential. Depending on the individual, it may take up to ten days for the extraction site to completely heal. After this point, you can drink coffee and other hot liquids as normal.
