Coffee is a widely consumed beverage all around the world that brings joy and energy to many individuals, but people who recently underwent a tooth extraction may wonder when is the “right” time to start drinking coffee again after a dental procedure. Stress and fatigue can cause a decrease in healing time to those who don’t wait until the mouth is healed. Therefore, to keep your mouth and teeth healthy and to maintain a stress-free lifestyle, one must understand when to drink coffee after tooth extraction.
The general consensus among the dental experts is to avoid coffee for at least 24 hours following the completion of the extraction. During this time your mouth can still have some bleeding, which may be made worse by drinking coffee. There is also a possible risk of infection when hot liquids like coffee come in contact with the open wound. This could hurt the healing process and in some cases cause infection of the extraction site.
After the bleeding has stopped, typically after 24 to 48 hours, it is suggested by experts that one should start drinking caffeinated beverages in moderation. Drinking any caffeinated beverage after a tooth extraction increases the risk of bleeding, because of the increased blood circulating through the veins due to the consumption of the caffeine. The one must be aware to not overdue the consumption of coffee and to not drink it instantly after the extraction is completed.
It is also advisable to keep the temperature of the beverage moderate as well; don’t go for a piping hot cup of coffee in this time, as hot drinks can aggravate the wound. Until the mouth is fully healed it is recommended to stick with beverages at lukewarm temperatures instead.
Alcoholic beverages have been known to have the same effects as coffee on an extraction site, so it is advised to stay away from alcohol during the healing process as well. If you feel the urge for a cocktail, it’s best to wait until you know your mouth is fully healed.
Children and adults alike should take notice of the advice stated before, since there is a higher risk of infection. It may take up to two months for the extraction site to completely heal. So if you want to keep your otherwise healthy mouth and teeth, it is best to stick to the recommendations of the professionals and keep up a healthy lifestyle.
Soft Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Although drinking coffee after the extraction is not recommended immediately, eating a soft diet is highly encouraged. Eating soft foods that are easily digested is advised right away, as it is best to start nourishing the body not long after the extraction.
Mashed potatoes, rice, eggs, or any type of soft cooked grains are some of the selected products you could try. These will allow your body to recover in the fastest time possible without irritating the extraction wound.
It is also advisable to add some creamy yogurts and soft cheeses to your meals. These will help give you the energy you need for the first few days after the tooth extraction, as well as helping with the recovery and healing process.
If you want to try something other than soft foods, stick to cold foods such as smoothies, pudding, milkshakes, ice cream, and other types of desserts that do not require a lot of chewing. It is important to note that when eating these products, it is best to use a spoon rather than a straw to avoid any additional pain or irritation.
Aside from these, you can also try to eat foods such as grilled sandwiches and cooked vegetables. The heat these cooked foods generate will provide the body with some warmth and comfort, which will in turn help speed the healing process.
Risks and Precaution
It is important to take into consideration the hints and recommendations given by professionals to ensure the least amount of pain after the extraction. This can be achieved by avoiding excessive blinking and any physical activity like running or jogging, as these can all make the pain worse.
It is also necessary to keep your mouth clean and healthy, particularly around the extraction area to avoid any infection. It‘s best to rinse your mouth with a combination of water and salt three to four times a day, followed by a warm tea with lemon to alleviate the pain in the area.
Always remember to avoid foods with small pieces and avoid any type of hard-biting, since that can loosen the stitches and cause them to break. In addition, if you feel any kind of sharp pain in the area, contact the dentist right away.
Pain and Swelling Relief
If the pain gets too uncomfortable, you don’t need to wait to see the dentist. Take one or two aspirin (over the counter) or ibuprofen pills to ease the discomfort. However, as these medications have side effects, it is best to check with your dentist before taking them.
Additionally, if you feel swelling appears in the area after the extraction, you can use an ice pack that you can find in virtually any drugstore or supermarket. Put the ice pack on the swollen area for at least 10 minutes and then take it off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process 3 times a day to help manage the swelling.
Other Recommended Actions to Accelerate the Healing
Avoids sources of heat and cold, like hot showers and cigarettes. Heat can cause bleeding and cold can slow the healing process. Smoking can inhibit healing and can cause the wound to close prematurely, preventing the gum from properly healing and can also lead to infection. Therefore, it is advised to stay away from smoking for at least one to two weeks after the extraction.
Moreover, it is advisable to get some rest and follow a diet rich in vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, which can aid the healing process. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins should also be part of your regular diet.
Benefits of the Procedure
Tooth extractions are not just unpleasant experiences. They can bring several benefits to your mouth. After slipping into the healing phase, your mouth will feel much lighter than before, as the extraction process eliminates all the decaying material that was accumulated in the tooth.
In addition, after the extraction, your teeth will have more room to move, allowing your other teeth to fit better and also improving your bite. This can help you maintain a better overall oral health in the long run.
Possible Complications
Even though tooth extractions are common procedures, it does not guarantee a stroke of luck in every case. In most cases the recovery is smooth but some complications can arise from the extraction which include the risk of infection, excessive bleeding and a condition called dry socket.
It is essential to follow the aftercare instructions given by the dentist in order to avoid any of the aforementioned complications. Pay attention to pain, swelling or any other erratic changes around the extracted tooth area and consult the dentist if necessary. Failure to do so can cause unpleasant or even irreversible situations.
