The Effects of Cold Coffee on Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Pain has always been a major concern for most people who are facing wisdom tooth extraction and it might be hard for some to stay away from the pleasures of enjoying cold coffee. It may not immediately occur to people who have just gone through and undergone a major surgery that something as seemingly simple as cold coffee can have a detrimental effect on their oral health and recovery.
The primary concern when it comes to drinking any kind of beverage, including cold drinks such as cold coffee, is that the substance can directly reach the extraction site and cause a disruption of the healing process. The area where the extraction occurred, need time to heal and drinking cold coffee can have an anesthetic effect that can block pain receptors and reduce any discomfort.
Dentists and surgeons are still divided when it comes to whether drinking cold coffee is healthy after the extraction, so before indulging in anything cold and sweet, it is important to consult with a professional in order to understand the possible effects, long-term and short-term, of drinking cold coffee shortly after a major surgery.
In fact, it is recommended to stay away from beverages with extreme temperatures, which also includes hot beverages, for a few days after the extraction. Only after the swelling has gone down and the wound has healed, it is possible to drink cold coffee again.
Furthermore, it is important to note that cold coffee interrupts the regular healing process for a few hours and causes the tissue to take aside the healing process for some time, weakening multiple panels and causing more discomfort.
In most cases, it is recommended to wait and start drinking cold coffee no less than four days after the extraction and to look out for any side effects that might occur. In summary, while drinking cold coffee might be tempting, it is important to understand the effects it can have on the healing process and oral health.
Bacterial Build-Up & Oral Health
Bacterial build-up near the extraction site can be a major concern for those who indulge in cold beverages shortly after the wisdom tooth extraction. This build-up can cause infections in the long run, which might be difficult to treat.
Surrounding bacteria can enter the body through the extraction site and deep-seated infections can be problematic as dentists and doctors will not be able to identify the exact cause or origin of the infection.
Additionally, the cold temperature of cold coffee can cause vasoconstriction, which potentially stops the necessary healing process, particularly in a situation when a blood clot is necessary to complete the process. In other words, when a person drinks cold coffee, the circulation is interrupted, which can stall the necessary healing process.
Moreover, drinking cold coffee can cause movement with the jaw once the tissue starts to heal and the jawbone gains more strength. This can cause pain and discomfort and ultimately delay the healing process of the wisdom tooth extraction.
Blood High Pressure & Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A small percentage of people might experience an increase in their blood pressure when drinking cold coffee after wisdom tooth extraction. This is not a common side effect and it might not occur to everybody, but it is important to be aware of it.
Consuming cold coffee can cause a sudden rush of adrenaline, which may be a risk for people who suffer from high blood pressure. It is important for those who suffer from high blood pressure to understand the risks and take special care when consuming cold drinks immediately after the wisdom tooth extraction.
It is also worth noting that this reaction can occur in people with normal blood pressure as well, due to the sudden change of temperature. This situation can be extremely uncomfortable given the fact that the area around the extraction site is already sensitive and swollen.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth vs Extraction
Impacted wisdom teeth can be really uncomfortable, especially when they are either emerging or partially emerged. In such cases, extraction is usually the preferred option.
This procedure, however, is considered to be a major surgery and can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is important for those who opted for wisdom tooth extraction to take special care and make sure that their diet does not interfere with the necessary healing process.
Cold coffee might be a really refreshing companion for a hot summer day, but it is important to stay away from it after the surgery. It is recommended to regularly consult with a professional throughout the healing process and understand the effects the food and drinks one consumes can have on the site where the extraction occurred.
Pain Management & Antibiotics
Pain management is a major concern after the extraction, especially in cases where a dry socket materializes. This can cause extreme discomfort and it is best to avoid drinking cold drinks like cold coffee until the pain is completely gone.
Moreover, in some more severe cases antibiotics can be prescribed to reduce the elevated risk of infection, even though this is quite uncommon. The risk for infection is, however, still there and it is always best to take the necessary precautions to prevent any post-extraction problems from occurring.
As a matter of fact, the risk for infection is usually higher in those who do not follow through with the dentist’s or surgeon’s instructions. For instance, cold coffee can disrupt the healing process entirely and cause sleepless nights due to the extreme discomfort.
Time for Recovery
Finally, when it comes to drinking cold beverages after wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to remember that everyone’s body is different and everyone needs a diagnostic very own time to recover.
It is often said that one can expect to heal in a week or two, but that is not necessarily the case in every instance. Some people might take a week more and some might experience faster recovery in a few days. Therefore, it is important to take one’s own time before indulging in any cold coffee and presenting the extraction site with changes in temperature.
In conclusion, before drinking any cold coffee after wisdom tooth extraction it is important to talk to a dentist or surgeon and understand any risks or warnings that should be taken into account. Moreover, it is important to manage the pain and take special care during the recovery period.
