Once you’ve had a tooth removed, you’ll likely want to take your mind off your prior procedure. That’s only natural – missing teeth aren’t exactly happy subjects to ponder. Still, don’t use coffee as your go-to distraction; this drink could harm your mouth post-treatment. You’ll need to focus on other beverages – and your recovery in general – instead. If you’d like to learn more, here’s a primer on the matter from your Cary dentist.
Don’t Drink Coffee Post-Extraction
Coffee is a great pick-me-up in most cases, but you shouldn’t have it right after a tooth extraction. The drink would only delay (or even reverse) your treatment recovery.
Remember, a tooth extraction leaves a gaping space in your mouth. To ensure that the area heals, your body forms a blood clot over it to keep out harmful microbes and debris. Coffee would interfere with the clot’s formation, delaying or preventing crucial healing. Worse yet, it could lead to a painful dry socket.
When Can You Drink Coffee Again?
You won’t need to give up coffee entirely after treatment, of course. You just have to avoid the drink until your mouth heals enough.
A patient should generally wait five days post-extraction to have coffee again. By that point, you can slowly reintroduce it to your diet and drink small amounts. You can resume your usual coffee intake two weeks after your initial procedure; any lingering swelling will have faded by then. That said, remember to call your dentist if anything feels “off” or if you have questions.
How to Recover from Tooth Extraction
To get back to your Java quickly, you just need to ensure your recovery goes smoothly. That means using the following tips and tricks:
- Don’t Disrupt the Healing Process – Tobacco, alcohol, and strong mouthwashes can delay healing, so avoid them after your extraction.
- Numb Your Pain – Try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater if it feels sore post-extraction. Alternatively, you could apply a cold cloth or ice bag to reduce swelling.
- Listen to Your Dentist – Soon after treatment, your dentist will likely instruct you to brush and floss while avoiding the extraction site. They may also tell you to take medication as prescribed.
You can’t drink coffee after a tooth extraction, but don’t let that restriction get you down. You’ll be able to drink your cup of joe again after your mouth heals up!
About the Practice
Cary Dental Rejuvenation is based in Cary, NC. Led by Dr. Bikram Singh, our practice offers comprehensive and tailored dentistry to every patient. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, our team will provide the customized help your smile deserves. That means you and your family can trust us to give you truly thriving grins! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (919)-460-5454.