Can You Drink Coffee after Wisdom Tooth Removal
Your wisdom teeth are probably the last teeth to appear in your mouth and likely the first one to go if your orthodontist recommends to have them removed. Don’t worry, you are not alone! Around 85 percent of American adults aged 18 to 34 have had their wisdom teeth taken out as it is part of the norm in this age group. Given that dental work can be draining and uncomfortable, most people often wonder if there are certain restrictions when it comes to what they can or cannot eat or drink after their surgery.
Coffee, in particular, is a beverage that many individuals rely on for a boost of energy throughout the day. But can you drink coffee after your wisdom teeth removal? Generally speaking, can it be safely consumed?
The answer isn’t so straightforward as your orthodontist may have different recommendations based on your particular circumstances and how quickly you recover. Your dental specialist may also advise you to avoid coffee after having your wisdom tooth removed because of its potential to irritate the surgical site resulting in the development of dry sockets.
Still, correlation does not prove causation. Coffee by itself is not likely to cause dry sockets but if you are prone to this condition, then avoiding coffee may be your best bet. Because the healing process of tooth extraction requires a good amount of rest and proper nutrition, drinking coffee every day to give you a boost is also a very bad idea.
When it comes to pain, coffee can further make matters worse. According to experts, caffeine can have an impact on the natural functioning of your body, such as the ability to heal itself in the aftermath of a surgical procedure. Additionally, coffee can cause dehydration which can impair your mouth’s ability to react properly to the extraction.
Coffee, Antihistamines and Anesthetics
For the same reasons, it is important to avoid the consumption of antihistamines and anesthetics alongside coffee. While the effects of coffee can be reversed – such as taking a shower to cool your inflamed gums and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated – the impact of antihistamines can be harder to avoid.
According to some orthodontists, antihistamines can can cause dry socket due to their ability to reduce the amount of saliva produced in the mouth and impair tissue healing. Oral anesthetics, on the other hand, can mask the signals of the body and side effects may be more intense than normal.
Milk and Scalding Liquids
It is also important to avoid milk and scalding liquids, such as tea and smoothies. Dairy products, for instance, contain a lot of fat that can not only stick to surgical sites but also increase the chances of swellings and inflammations.
Moreover, drinks that are too hot and too cold should also be avoided. Subsequently, having ice cream may not be the best idea after an extraction as cold temperatures can complicate the healing process as well.
Learning to Make Compromises
As with any other surgery, the healing process of a wisdom teeth extraction can take several days. Even though you may be tempted to drink coffee to cope with the pain or dehydration, it is important to remember that the beverage can aggravate your wounds and hamper the healing process.
This means compromising on certain preferences and habits to help your tissue and gums heal properly and completely. Additionally, staying away from certain unhealthy indulgences such as smoking, alcohol and vaping are essential to help you heal faster.
Eating Soft or Blended Foods
In the days after your extraction, it is also best to avoid crunchy, chewy and hard food products such as chips, nuts and hard candy. Instead, you can opt for foods that are easily mashed, such as porridge, gelatin, smoothies and mashed potatoes.
You can also place soups and smoothies in a blender to make them easier to consume, although it is important to be mindful of the temperature and avoid scalding liquids as far as possible.
The Bottom Line
If you are wondering if you can drink coffee after having your wisdom teeth removed, the answer is – it depends. While coffee is not likely to cause dry sockets on its own, the heated beverage can aggravate the site of extraction and slow down your recovery if not taken in moderation.
Your orthodontist may have additional guidelines you can follow, such as drinking coffee in moderation or only after the extraction site is healed. You should also discontinue drinking coffee as soon as you experience any pain, swelling or discomfort in your mouth as it can be an indication of an underlying problem in your gums or teeth.
It is also essential to maintain proper nutrition and stay away from unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking during the healing process. Eating soft or blended foods and avoiding the consumption of hard, crunchy and chewy food products can also help your gums and tissue recover.
Overcoming Discomfort
It is natural to feel agitated and irritated after a surgical procedure, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. However, most of the discomfort experienced during the healing process can be reduced by following your orthodontists’s instructions.
In addition to avoiding coffee, it may also help to ask your orthodontist to prescribe an analgesic to reduce pain and inflammation and keep any swelling to a minimum. Taking painkillers after a wisdom teeth extraction can also do wonders.
Dealing with Emergencies
Not to mention, it is important to know what to do in the case of emergencies. This includes understanding the signs of infection, such as difficulty in breathing, persistent fever or any other unexplained symptoms as well as when to contact a doctor or visit the hospital.
Understanding Your Body Better
It is essential to listen to your body’s needs and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Understanding that you need to make a certain lifestyle change after your wisdom teeth removal can help you understand your body better and enable you to take necessary steps to heal.
Adopting healthy habits, following the advice of your orthodontist and knowing what to expect during the recovery process can significantly speed up the healing process and significantly reduce the chances of any post-surgical problems.
Overall, yes, you can drink coffee while recovering from wisdom tooth removal as long as it is taken in moderation and your orthodontist gives you the go-ahead first. However, it is important to keep in mind that abstinence may help prevent any infection or complications that may otherwise occur.
