An Introduction to Coffee After Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why someone might need to have their teeth extracted. From gum disease, tooth decay, or an accident; teeth must be removed if they are badly damaged or irreparably decayed. When undergoing such a procedure, it is normal to experience discomfort and pain. This is brought on by the injury, swelling, and healing process.
Painkillers are often recommended to help deal with the pain, but some individuals will opt for other methods such as drinking coffee to offset the discomfort. But, before doing so, it is important to determine how long you should wait before drinking coffee after tooth extraction.
What Are the Risks of Drinking Coffee Too Soon?
Many dental professionals will advise against drinking coffee too soon after tooth extraction. This is because the caffeine found in coffee is a diuretic which can lead to an increased risk of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to further swelling and inflammation which could, in turn, impede the healing process.
Caffeine can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. As someone who has recently undergone a tooth extraction will likely be healing from swelling and other associated injuries, the added stress from the caffeine could further complicate their recover. These feelings might be worse in people who are naturally sensitive to caffeine, or those with a history of heart problems.
What Should You Consider When Drinking Coffee?
If you have recently undergone a tooth extraction, and still wish to consume coffee, there are some things that you should consider. Firstly, you should opt for coffee which is as close to its natural form as possible. Avoid any coffee which has been artificially sweetened or contains an artificial sweetener.
Avoid consuming coffee too close to the extraction date, as the caffeine could interfere with the healing process. Depending on the individual, the time that you should wait can vary between days to weeks, but the general consensus is that it is best to wait around a week before drinking coffee. Additionally, if you opt for decaffeinated coffee, wait for two weeks instead.
It is also important to consider your own medical history. If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart conditions, or are particularly sensitive to caffeine, you should avoid drinking coffee after extraction.
What Are the Alternatives to Coffee?
There are many alternatives to coffee which you can take to offset your post-extraction pain. Many people swear by herbal teas as they are full of anti-inflammatory compounds which can help to reduce swelling and help the healing process.
As discussed earlier, painkillers may be prescribed post-extraction. This could range from ibuprofen, to paracetamol, to codeine. However, if you are seeking an over-the-counter drug, ibuprofen and paracetamol are the most widely recommended options.
More alternative treatments may include, homeopathic remedies such as arnica, topical numbing creams, and cold compresses. Such alternatives can be great options to reduce swelling and manage pain.
The Impact of Coffee After Tooth Extraction
When considering drinking coffee after tooth extraction, it is important to remember that there are potential risks. Coffee, for many, can be an integral part of their daily life, but waiting a sufficient amount of time after extraction can help to speed up the healing process.
For those who don’t want to wait until a week after extraction, there are various alternatives which can be used in order to manage the post-extraction pain. Such alternatives will not provide the same caffeine kick, but they can just as effective, and even better in certain cases.
Caffeine in Other Beverages
It is important to note that drinking coffee is not the only thing that you should consider when healing from a tooth extraction. Other beverages such as energy drinks, tea, and soda also contain caffeine and could potentially have adverse effects if drink too soon after extraction.
Caffeine enters the bloodstream almost immediately, so if you cannot abstain from caffeine completely, bear in mind that the effects of other caffeinated beverages will be similar. So, if you are in any doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid them until the recommended time.
Natural Relaxers and Stress Relief
When it comes to dealing with post-extraction pain, your diet and lifestyle choices should always be taken into account. Naturally, avoiding stress and opting for healthy daily habits can have positive effects on the healing process. This could include taking a break from work, taking a few days to relax, and focusing on healthy eating which can help to reduce inflammation.
In addition to this, taking time to work out or practice mindfulness can also be beneficial. Doing so can help to reduce stress levels, which can further reduce inflammation levels, and help with the healing process.
Conclusion
Overall, it is important to remember that everyone is different and the amount of time that it takes to heal from a tooth extraction can vary from person to person. Before making any major changes to your diet plan, it is always best to consult your dentist for advice about how to best manage the healing process.
