Biological Impact of Iced Coffee After a Tooth Extraction
It may come as a surprise to some, but drinking iced coffee after a tooth extraction can present some serious health risks to consider. Immediately following a tooth extraction, the empty socket is filled with a special material to facilitate rapid healing. Hot or cold liquids can cause the material to expand or contract and lead to poor healing. Additionally, hot beverages, such as iced coffee, increase bleeding and can cause inflammation.
Dr. Bhatnagar, a dental specialist at the Oral Hygiene Routine clinic in Pune, India, says, “Cold and hot drinks must be avoided for at least 24 to 48 hours after the extraction, so iced coffee should not be taken. There is a chance of increased bleeding and a delay in healing, as well as complications due to the movement of the socket material. After 48 hours, you may drink lukewarm coffee if you wish, but it is not recommended to consume iced coffee.”
The human body is comprised of 98.8% water, so it’s safe to say that adequate hydration is essential for overall health, particularly after a tooth extraction. As such, doctors recommend consuming only water, smoothies or other non-caffeinated liquids for the first 48 hours after an extraction. Oftentimes, regular water contains the required electrolytes which can assist in maintaining the normal balance of the body after a tooth extraction.
Dr. Thomas, a dentist from San Francisco, California, offers a bit of insight into the matter, stating, “After a tooth extraction, the body needs 2 to 3 days to fully heal. Fluids help to keep the body hydrated and adequately hydrated and these should be primarily water during the first few days following your procedure. If a patient decides to take iced coffee, they should be aware of the risks associated with it, such as inflammation and the disturbance of the socket material.”
Pharmaceutical Effects of Iced Coffee After a Tooth Extraction
Apart from the biological risks associated with consuming iced coffee after a tooth extraction, it may also interfere with any medications that you’re taking. Depending on the procedure and medications prescribed, part of your extraction post-operation plan may include drugs that exhibit a higher sensitivity to extreme temperatures. In this case, any extremely hot or cold beverages, including iced coffee, should be avoided in order to protect the medication and assist with a faster recovery.
In severe cases, the effects of iced coffee after a tooth extraction may overwhelm the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, leading to a decrease in general health. Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, can be rendered ineffective or it may even be harmful for them to be combined with iced coffee. With this in mind, it is best for patients to follow the instructions of the professional regarding which substances are safe to intake after a tooth extraction.
Dr. David, a physician at the Central Connect Medical Clinic in Los Angeles explains why ingesting iced coffee after a tooth extraction can be detrimental, saying, “People may take iced coffee as a pick-me-up after a dental procedure, but it is not a good idea as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the medications. If a person is taking medication after a tooth extraction, they need to be aware that iced coffee may negatively interact with the medication. Consuming iced coffee will increase the risk of potential side effects and the medication may not work as well. It is best for a patient to discuss their diet with their medical professional for advice on what is safe to consume after a tooth extraction.”
Psychological Impact of Iced Coffee After a Tooth Extraction
Given that the person’s general condition of well-being can be seriously affected by the physical effects of extracting a tooth, the psychological aspect of recovering after a tooth extraction should not be ignored. If a person is normally used to drinking iced coffee, suddenly having to give up caffeine can leave them feeling drained and uninspired. It is also quite common for people to experience mouth sensitivity and an unpleasant metallic taste for some time following a tooth extraction. Understanding that these symptoms are normal and are most likely going to pass in time can help to decrease the stress.
Dr. Davidson, a psychologist from Birmingham, Alabama, comments, “Oftentimes, people can feel a great deal of stress which can cause the psychological health to be impacted after a tooth extraction. Emotional support is essential during the recovery period and the person should be assured that the health of their mouth is expected to improve given sufficient time and adequate aftercare. Rather than consuming iced coffee, as this can worsen the effects, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet and follow the instructions of the doctor.”
Alternative Options to Iced Coffee
Given that iced coffee is generally advised against immediately following a tooth extraction, folks may find themselves looking for alternatives to give them a bit of an energy boost. Options such as decaffeinated hot tea, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices can provide a healthy boost to the body, while being gentle on the skin, nerves, and teeth. It is best to avoid sugar, acidic or processed foods and drinks as these can be potentially damaging to the body.
Dr. Dinesh, a nutritionist from Delhi, India recommends that, “people look for sources of protein, vitamins and minerals that can strengthen the teeth and support the healing process. Yogurts, fruit, and vegetables are good sources of calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber which the body needs to heal quickly. Aloe vera juice is a great nutrient-rich choice and provides relief from inflammation, as well as a small energy boost.”
Oral Health Maintenance and Prevention
It cannot be stressed enough how important a regular oral hygiene routine is to maintain general health. Even without a tooth extraction, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings is essential. This will help you form good habits and, in turn, keep your mouth healthy for longer.
Dr. John, a dentist from New York City concludes, “A healthy mouth and good oral hygiene habits can save you a lot of pain and discomfort in the long run. Prevention is better than a cure, and this includes avoiding iced coffee after a tooth extraction, which can disrupt the healing process. One should always follow the doctor’s orders to the letter in order to ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, establishing a good oral health care plan and visiting the dentist regularly can help to prevent more serious dental issues from occurring.”
Impact of Stress on Healing After a Tooth Extraction
Stress can be detrimental to physical and mental health and can be a hindrance to healing after a tooth extraction. Regular, moderate physical activity can help to manage stress levels, especially during stressful situations. If a person is unable to hit the gym, regular walks in the park, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are great tools to help manage levels of stress and often come with the added benefit of relaxation. Without a doubt, healthy eating habits and proper rest are also essential for physical and emotional well-being.
Dr. Andrew, a psychologist from Denver, Colorado states, “Stress can be a major barrier to healing and one of the main things that can hinder the healing process after a tooth extraction. Once a person is home and recovering, they need to ensure that they rest, relax and take it easy. Consuming iced coffee can be very detrimental in this regard, as it would add more stress on the body and slow down the healing process.”
Alternative Treatments To Accelerate Healing
To reduce swelling and pain, and speed up the healing process, many people turn to alternative treatments. Herbal teas and natural remedies can provide relief and calm inflammation. Many people find that applying clove oil to the outside of the empty socket helps to provide comfort and reduce any pain caused by the wound. Additionally, a salt water rinse can help both reduce inflammation and remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck in the wound area.
Fernando, a naturopathic practitioner from Orlando, Florida elaborates, “Natural remedies can offer some relief to the swelling, pain, and inflammation that often follows an extraction. An infusion of chamomile tea with a couple of drops of peppermint oil can help in the healing process, while similar alternate methods such as lavender oil massages can also help to reduce pain and improve healing. The use of cold compresses can help to reduce the swelling, but it is recommended not to consume iced coffee for the first few days after a tooth extraction.”
