Iced coffee is one of the most popular drinks among coffee lovers, whether they are looking for a chilled treat during summertime or a way to get energized before running a marathon. Despite the drink’s appeal, individuals should be extra cautious when drinking iced coffee – particularly after they have had their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are a set of four extra teeth that typically appear sometime in late adolescence or in early adulthood. Because they are the last teeth to develop, they often don’t have enough room to grow in properly. As a result, wisdom teeth can cause pain, crowding, infection and other problems. For this reason, dentists usually recommend that the teeth be removed.
Due to the fact that oral surgery may cause swelling and soreness, drinking iced coffee after wisdom teeth removal is likely to be uncomfortable. When consumed cold, it will quickly reduce temperature at the site of the surgery, leading to numbing, as well as a decrease of inflammation and pain -which is helpful in the short-term. Nevertheless, the coldness may cause additional discomfort and numbness in the gum tissue that has just healed.
Almost all doctors will advise against drinking iced coffee immediately after oral surgery, regardless of the type of procedure performed. According to a study published in 2019, this is due to the fact that cold drinks may increase the risk of numbness in the lower lip. As we already know, whenever wisdom teeth are removed, the entire area of the mouth is numbed and any additional coldness may level up the sensation of numbness.
After having your wisdom teeth removed, experts recommend waiting at least 3-5 days until drinking iced coffee. That time frame will give the tissue time to heal completely, and any discomfort will have decreased enough to make the drink tolerable. So, the rule of thumb really is to wait until you feel fairly comfortable before trying anything other than room temperature liquids.
Dental Care After Wisdom Teeth
Regardless of whether or not an individual drinks iced coffee after wisdom teeth, it is important to take proper care of the mouth in order to avoid inflammation and infection. After the surgery, it is suggested that one:
- Regularly rinse the mouth with salt water solutions.
- Eat soft, nutritious foods that promote healing.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers as instructed.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Be gentle when brushing teeth and flossing.
In addition, it is beneficial to postpone smoking, drinking and any other kind of activity that could compromise the healing process in the area. The smell and taste of cigarettes, as well as the antimicrobial properties of alcohol, may irritate the tissue in the area, delaying the recovery process even more.
Iced Coffee Alternatives After Wisdom Teeth
If one is still twitchy about drinking cold beverages after wisdom teeth removal, there are other options. Smoothest and milk-based drinks, such as frappuccinos, can be a good alternative. Coconut water and iced tea are also beneficial at the stage. Other drinks are diluted fruit juices, as they are a source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help the body heal faster. And the best part, such drinks are not extremely cold, easing the sensitivity of the gum.
In addition, individuals with a sweet tooth and a craving for cold drinks can opt for milkshakes, gelatos and popsicles. All are delicious and packed with nutrients, however it is important to make sure that there are no sharp edges included in these soft treats, which can damage the gums and cause additional discomfort.
Effects of Iced Coffee on Wisdom Teeth
Although the temperature of drinks is not usually the cause of cavities and other anomalies in the dentition, the effects of cold, creamy coffee beverages may be harmful, particularly around wisdom teeth. Their position at the very back of the mouth, along with the fact that they provide a harder time to clean properly makes them more prone to decay. For this reason, dentists suggest avoiding coffee altogether when wisdom teeth are present.
Nevertheless, if a person feels like such drinks are necessary, low-acid coffee products are a healthier alternative. The acidity of certain beverages may be harmful to teeth, challenging their ability to fight bacteria, even if they are at a normal temperature. Low-acidity products, on the other hand, lower the risk of corrosion and cavities, improving oral health.
Iced Coffee and Oral Hygiene
Not only does the temperature of drinks matter when drinking iced coffee, but also the amount of drinks and the frequency of consumption. It is scientifically proven that excessive consumption of acidic drinks can lead to erosion in the latex of teeth, leading to some problems such as cavities, tooth discoloration and loose teeth. As a result, it is important to limit cold drinks intake to 1 or 2 cups per day at most.
In addition, individuals should brush their teeth after drinking, particularly around the wisdom teeth. Brushing helps to remove any residual sugar that may still be on the teeth, thus protecting the teeth against decay. The same goes for flossing, a procedure which should be done every day in order to keep the gums clean and protect against any gum disease.
Adapting to Life With Wisdom Teeth
Even though wisdom teeth removal is the most common oral surgery procedure, it can still be a difficult experience. Apart from the financial, emotional and physical costs of the prosedure, individuals may struggle with the idea of adapting to life without the extra teeth. With the right information and attitude, however, it is possible to improve the experience.
In order to make the transition easier, it is important to keep an open mind and remember that the procedure is normally done for the patient’s own benefit. Feeling down and changing one’s lifestyle won’t help, so it is important to stay positive and remember that the situation is only temporary. Ultimately, it is the patient that decides how the experience will be.
Conclusion
Drinking iced coffee after having wisdom teeth removed should be done with caution. While cold drinks can reduce the amount of inflammation and pain in the short-term, they may also numb the area, making further discomfort more likely. Thus, it is recommended that one avoids drinking iced coffee for 3-5 days after the surgery. Furthermore, it is essential to practice proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, in order to ensure the teeth are kept healthy. Last but not least, positivity and an open mind can greatly reduce the stress of the surgery, improving the recovery process.
