Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually in your late teenage years. Unfortunately, not everyone can accommodate them without their mouth becoming overcrowded or their teeth becoming misaligned. When this happens, most dentists will recommend having the wisdom teeth removed. It sounds like an easy enough procedure, but there are a few things to consider – the most important being, can you drink coffee before having your wisdom teeth pulled?
It depends. Most dentists advise against caffeine consumption before any kind of dental procedure. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, making you less responsive to the anaesthetic and numbing agents used during the procedure. This means that unless your dental surgeon takes extra measures to make sure you don’t feel any pain, it is unlikely that you will have a very pleasant experience.
On the other hand, it is possible to have a cup of coffee before you go under the knife. First off, ask your dentist if they’re okay with you drinking coffee prior to the procedure. If they are, then it is important to be smart about it. Make sure to stick with decaf – as regular coffee can contain quite a bit of caffeine. In addition, it is best to limit your coffee intake to one cup two hours before the scheduled procedure, as this is the standard recommendation. Also, remember not to consume anything else during the two-hour window – this includes milk, sugar and any food.
It is also important to remember that coffee isn’t the only caffeinated beverage to avoid. Tea, energy drinks and soda all contain some form of caffeine. It is best to avoid consuming any of them prior to getting your wisdom teeth removed.
Ultimately, as with any medical procedure, it is best to take it seriously and put your health and safety first. As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, you should have a successful, pain-free experience getting your wisdom teeth pulled.
Caffeine Effects
Caffeine is as much a part of our daily lives as it has ever been, with people consuming coffee and other caffeinated beverages in places such as the office, gym, and even on the go. It’s important to remember the effects that caffeine can have on the body, especially if your dentist has advised you to abstain from it before getting your wisdom teeth pulled.
Caffeine can have a variety of impacts on our bodies, depending on how much we consume it. For example, too much caffeine can cause insomnia, irritability, headaches and even stomach upset. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are not life-threatening. That being said, it is still important to pay attention to your body and understand when it is telling you to take it easier on the coffee.
Keep in mind that caffeine is a drug and must be treated as such. The amount of caffeine needed to temporarily change your state of mind can be different from person to person. When it comes to wisdom teeth removal procedures, there is not much room for error in terms of how much caffeine you consume. It is best to stay on the safe side and strictly adhere to your dentist’s instructions on the matter.
Risk of Complications
When getting your wisdom teeth pulled, you will likely be given an anaesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. Caffeine can have an adverse effect on the anaesthetic, making it less effective in numbness and pain relief. The risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding, may also be greater in people who have drunk caffeine before having the procedure.
To make sure the procedure is as stress-free as possible, it is best to avoid consuming any type of caffeine. That being said, if you still feel that you need to have some caffeine before the procedure, make sure to talk to your dentist first. Most are willing to provide guidance as well as adjust the anaesthetic protocol to account for any caffeine you may have consumed.
Benefits of Abstaining from Caffeine
Often times, there are more advantages to abstaining from caffeine before getting your wisdom teeth pulled than there are disadvantages. Firstly, the experience will generally be more pleasant if you don’t stimulate your central nervous system prior to the procedure. Secondly, your dentist may be able to adjust the anaesthetic protocol to be more effective if you haven’t consumed any caffeine.
Finally, drinking decaffeinated drinks can result in additional hydration that can be beneficial for the procedure and recovery. Make sure to stick to hydrating beverages, such as water and decaf tea, to ensure that your body is getting the proper amount of liquids it needs while avoiding caffeine.
Coffee Intake After the Procedure
It is important to pay close attention to the post-operative instructions given to you by your dentist. Depending on the instructions, you may be able to resume your coffee consumption shortly after the procedure.
Once you are home, stay away from caffeinated beverages until the anaesthetic has worn off. Once it has, it is best to speak to your dentist again to make sure. Once you have the all clear, you can start drinking caffeinated beverages again, but it is best to go only with lighter doses for the first few days.
Once your mouth has healed properly and the pain has subsided, it is usually safe to go back to your pre-procedure caffeine consumption. It is still recommended to pay attention to any potential symptoms that may arise and avoid consuming too much caffeine.
Wisdom Teeth Removal and Caffeine Sensitivity
If you have a low tolerance for caffeine and generally feel jittery when consuming even moderate amounts, it is best to refrain from drinking any coffee before having your wisdom teeth removed. This is because caffeine sensitives have a higher risk of experiencing complications during the procedure.
Your dentist may also recommend a higher dose of anaesthetic or a combination of drugs to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Most importantly, it is best to avoid any caffeinated beverages after the surgery as they may interfere with the healing process. Again, this can depend on the individual so it is best to talk to your dentist and get advise tailored to your needs.
Staying Informed
Most people are unclear about the rules surrounding caffeine consumption before wisdom teeth removal. The best way to ensure that you make an informed decision, tailored to your individual needs, is by consulting your dentist beforehand.
Your dentist will be able to give advice based on the type of surgery you will be undergoing and what is the best approach to ensure a successful and pain-free surgery. In the end, your dentist is the best source of information regarding any concerns you may have regarding coffee and wisdom teeth removal.
