For those recovering from having their wisdom teeth removed, one of the primary questions that comes up is: Is it okay to drink coffee afterwards? For the record, this is not a new question: according to the American Dental Association (ADA), drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee is absolutely fine post-wisdom teeth removal, as long as the patient follows their doctor’s instructions.
Given the fact that caffeine is known to reduce pain, drinking coffee or even tea may help individuals to reduce the slight pain they still may experience after an oral surgery such as wisdom tooth removal. The ADA recommends that patients should not limit their diet for the first few days after the surgery, beyond what their doctor recommended. This means that, provided that it is taken with caution, enjoying a cup of coffee can be part of healing process after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that while drinking coffee is generally safe after a wisdom teeth extraction, individuals still have to be mindful of the potential side effects which may come along with the consumption of caffeine. One of the most common concerns is that drinking coffee can make your oral wound bleed. This is especially relevant if the person consuming the coffee has fresh stitches in their mouth. Other than that, it is also worth noting that caffeine can potentially cause dehydration. This means individuals who are drinking coffee post-surgery should always remember to stay hydrated.
Given the potential side effects, experts highly recommend that individuals should follow their doctor’s advice on what to drink and what not to drink after a surgery. In addition, individuals should also pay attention to how much liquid they consume. Since it is normal for the mouth to dry out due to the anaesthesia and medication, drinking small gulps of water is recommended. As for coffee, it is best to wait until a few days after the surgery and then, if your doctor gave the OK, consume it in moderation and not more than 300 milligrams of caffeine.
Finally, although drinking coffee after having your wisdom teeth removed is generally ok, it is very important to understand that everyone’s body works differently. Some may be able to drink coffee without any complications, while others may not be so lucky. Therefore, the best advice is to talk to your doctor and follow their post-wisdom tooth removal instructions and guidelines in order to avoid potential complications.
Caffeine Content in Coffee
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal is the amount of caffeine that coffee can contain. Depending on the type of coffee, it can contain anywhere from 50 to 350 milligrams of caffeine in a single cup. For example, a typical cup of instant coffee, cappuccino, or latte all contain, on average, 60 to 80 milligrams of caffeine. Meanwhile, an espresso typically contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine. In order to keep from ingesting too much caffeine, it is critical to understand and pay attention to the amount of caffeine that each type of coffee contains.
While coffee is generally safe to consume post-wisdom teeth removal, it can still have unwanted side-effects. Caffeine is known to cause alertness, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, it can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase. Therefore, it is important to consume only the amount of coffee recommended by your doctor.
Is Decaffeinated Coffee a Viable Option?
In light of the aforementioned potential side-effects of drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal, some individuals may wonder if decaffeinated coffee is a viable option. The answer is that it depends. Drinking decaffeinated coffee after a surgery is generally safe, however it is important to note that it still contains some traces of “decaf” caffeine, which actually become more prominent if the coffee is brewed for longer periods of time. Therefore, it is generally safer to stick to the advice of your doctor and to limit your consumption of coffee, regardless of whether is decaffeinated or not.
In addition, if you decide that decaffeinated coffee is the safest option post-surgery, it is important to ensure that no other extractions or processes are used which could add caffeine back into the cup. Natural decaffeination processes like the Swiss Water Process, or using a combination of very hot water and carbon dioxide, help to ensure that no extra caffeine gets added back into the coffee. Otherwise, if you are still unsure about whether consuming decaffeinated coffee is the best choice for you, it is always recommended that you talk to your doctor before making a decision.
Tips for Making a Safe Choice
To minimize the risk of any potential side-effects from drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to pay attention to both the amount of coffee consumed and the type of coffee consumed:
- It is best to stick to the instructions of your doctor.
- Limit the amount of coffee to no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine.
- Choose a medium or light roast, as they contain less caffeine.
- Know the caffeine content of each type of coffee.
- Decaffeinated coffee may be a safer option, but make sure it is processed naturally and does not contain any extra caffeine.
Perspectives from Experts
According to Dr. Ian Barankin, registered oral surgeon at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, drinking coffee is usually ok after wisdom teeth removal, but only “if the patient is able to control the amount of liquid they are consuming and is mindful of the potential side-effects associated with consuming caffeine.” Dr. Barankin also adds that “drinking coffee has the potential to cause dehydration, so individuals should make sure they are not only drinking lack of coffee, but also drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and to help reduce the risk of potential side-effects.”
On the other hand, Dr. Jeffrey Singer-Evans, Clinical Director for the Dental Health Centre at the University of Toronto, states that although drinking coffee is ok, “it is best to wait until a few days after the surgery in order to allow any extra swelling to subside.” He also adds that “it is important for individuals to pay attention to the amount of coffee consumed in order to minimize the risk of any potential side-effects associated with the consumption of caffeine.”
Personal Insights and Analysis
The primary concern when it comes to drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal is to taking into consideration the potential side-effects that may come along with the consumption of caffeine. The amount and the type of coffee consumed are both important factors to keep in mind in order to minimize the risk of any potential complications. While drinking coffee post-surgery is usually ok, it is important to talk to your doctor and get their advice on what type and amount of coffee is safe to consume, as it may vary depending on the individual.
Product Alternatives to Coffee
In addition to coffee, there are a variety of other products and alternatives that can provide some of the same benefits associated with the consumption of coffee. For example, teas such as green tea and black tea both contain lower amounts of caffeine, so they can provide some of the same benefits post-surgery with less risk of potential side-effects. In addition, there are a variety of herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, that can be a good option as well. Finally, some people may also opt for decaffeinated herbal teas as another alternative.
Although alternatively caffeinated beverages such as tea and decaffeinated tea can be a safe and healthy option, it is still important to follow the advice of your doctor. In general, drinking small amounts of coffee or tea post-wisdom teeth removal is usually ok, as long as the patient is mindful of their consumption of caffeine and drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Effects of Caffeine on Oral Health
Finally, it is also important to understand that, in addition to potential side-effects, coffee can also have an effect on oral health. Caffeine can cause teeth to become stained, especially when it is adding to existing stains from things such as smoking and poor oral hygiene. In addition, coffee can also cause issues such as bad breath and increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay, as it can coat the teeth in sugar. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the amount of coffee consumed and to remember to brush and floss regularly.
In conclusion, drinking coffee after wisdom teeth removal is generally safe when it is done in moderation. However, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor when it comes to drinking coffee post-surgery and to understand the potential side-effects that caffeine may have. In addition, there are alternatives to coffee, such as teas, that can provide some of the same benefits with less risk of potential side-effects. Finally, it is also important to be mindful of the effects that coffee can have on oral health and to practice good oral hygiene.
