Tooth extraction is an unavoidable dental procedure and can be very uncomfortable for some patients. But when you’re ready to move on, many questions come up. One of the most common is “Can I drink coffee two days after tooth extraction?” Conventional wisdom has always been a resounding no, but the answer may surprise you. It’s important to deeply understand all of the potential risks, but with a little bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy coffee after a tooth extraction.
Your body needs time to heal and recover after a tooth extraction. Generally, you’ll want to avoid anything hot, spicy, gassy or alcoholic for at least two days while your body recovers. Many experts also advise avoiding drinking coffee two days after a tooth extraction, to avoid the possibility of dry socket, which can cause tremendous pain and delay the healing process.
However, newer studies suggest that drinking coffee after a tooth extraction may not lead to the dreaded dry socket after all. One recent study found that those who drank coffee two days after a tooth extraction experienced no more dry socket than those who refrained from drinking coffee. This research suggested that drinking even caffeinated coffee two days after a tooth extraction is safe.
But that doesn’t mean you should go back to drinking as much coffee as you used to as soon as possible. Caffeinated beverages are dehydrating, and dehydration can make the healing process take longer. It’s also worth noting that many decaffeinated coffees contain sugar, which can lead to increased swelling. For those reasons, it’s best to limit the amount of coffee you drink until your dentist has announced that the extraction site has healed completely.
There are also many ways to reduce the risk of dry socket or other complications after tooth extraction. Doctors recommend taking pain medication as soon as possible after the extraction to avoid dry socket. Keeping the wound clean with a saline solution also helps reduce the risk of infection. Applying cold compresses to the extraction site can reduce bleeding, swelling and discomfort.
In short, sugar-free decaffeinated coffee can be enjoyed two days after a tooth extraction, as long as you limit the amount you drink and follow your dentist’s instructions for taking care of the wound. Using pain medication, cold compresses and cleaning the wound with a saline solution can all help reduce the risk of dry socket.
Tobacco and Alcohol’s Effects on Tooth Health
The use of tobacco products and alcohol can have a significant and adverse effect on oral health. Aside from the well-known carcinogenic effects, both substances are known to stain teeth and create a higher risk of gum disease. Quitting either is known to be very important in maintaining basic oral health, but they can also be damaging when quitting. The use of an at-home teeth whitening kit as well as serious repairs through a dentist can help with reducing the cosmetic damage, but it won’t undo any underlying damage.
Tobacco use is one of the most well-known causes of gum disease, along with unhealthy oral practices like not brushing one’s teeth regularly. This is due to tar, a naturally occurring substance found in tobacco, causing obstruction of gums, creating a buildup of bacteria, as well as slowly damaging the gums beyond recovery. Tobacco use can also lead to cancers of the mouth and throat, as well as teeth discoloration, ulcerations, and canker sores.
The effects of alcohol are less direct, but the association between long-term alcohol consumption and gum disease is well-established. Alcohol consumption has been associated with poor oral hygiene and poor overall health, due to its laxative effects. Long-term drinking can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, including calcium and Vitamin C, which can decrease the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Medicines and Tooth Health
There are numerous medications that can have effects on one’s oral health. Many antibiotics can interfere with the body’s ability to fight bacteria, which increases the risk of gum disease. However, it is important to assess the benefits versus risks of continuing taking the medication in order to weigh the costs and benefits of doing so.
Blood pressure medication, antianxiety medication, and cholesterol-reducing medications, can also have an effect on oral health. Both antianxiety medications and blood pressure medications can reduce saliva flow, which increases the risk of dry mouth. Dry mouth could cause cavities or other infections if not carefully monitored. Cholesterol-reducing medications can also affect oral health, specifically by affecting the taste buds, which can make food less enjoyable.
Other medications, such as immunosuppressants, can have an effect on the body’s ability to heal after an extraction. A medical expert should always be consulted when exploring the effects certain medications can have on oral health.
Oral Practice for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing after every meal is recommended in order to avoid buildup of bacteria. A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used when brushing to avoid damaging the gums. Alternatively, an electric toothbrush uses the oscillating action of its motor to help with cleaning the teeth and gums. Specialized toothpaste can also be used to help fight against cavities and tooth decay. Specialized mouthwash, such as fluoride rinse or tooth decay rinse, can be used to further help fight against bacterial buildup.
Regular dental trips should also be taken in order to assess the current state of one’s oral health, as well as check for any cavities or tooth decay. It is recommended that one should go to the dentist at least once every six months, unless special circumstances exist in which a dentist should be consulted.
Effects of Eating Sugar and Sweets on Teeth
Sugary foods and drinks can have an adverse effect on oral health. The consumption of sugary foods and beverages, such as candy, cakes and soda, can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Bacteria from the food will stick to the teeth and cause plaque, a substance formed from acid and sugar. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay, as well as gum disease if left untreated.
It is not just the sugary foods and drinks that can be detrimental to oral health. Sticky foods, such as taffy and sports drinks, can also lead to an increase in bacteria in the mouth and can be difficult to remove with brushing. It is best to avoid these sugary and sticky foods and drinks, and maintain healthy habits such as brushing and flossing regularly, as well as regularly visit a dentist.
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum might seem like the opposite of healthy for teeth, but it is actually beneficial for one’s oral health. This type of gum helps increase the saliva flow in the mouth, which helps to reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Chewing gum after meals is known to help reduce and clean plaque and acid that food leaves behind on the teeth.
Chewing gum also helps reduce bad breath, as it helps to clean and remove bacteria that cause bad breath. As an added benefit, sugary gums also provide a freshening taste in the mouth. Ultimately, it is the sugar-free gums that are recommended, as the sugary gums can cause the same risks of bacterial buildup that sugary beverages and food do.
Chewing gum alone will not prevent cavities and tooth decay, but when paired with other healthy practices such as brushing, flossing and regularly visiting a dentist, it can help enhance the oral hygiene routine and reduce the risk of dental problems.
