Is It OK If I Have Coffee After an Extraction?

If you’ve just had a tooth extraction, you probably want to move on from that experience. After all, it isn’t fun to give up one of your natural pearly whites. Maybe you just want to return to your normal routines, starting with your usual cup of coffee. However, it’d be better if you held off on the java for now. That beverage could risk your oral health until you fully recover from your procedure. Here’s why you should skip coffee post-extraction, when you can have it, and some tips on speeding up your recovery.

Coffee Can Disrupt the Healing Process

As you’d expect, tooth extraction leaves a space behind in your mouth. Furthermore, said space doesn’t heal immediately after treatment. Your body has to form a blood clot over several days for the wound to recover.

Unfortunately, coffee can interfere with blood clot formation. More specifically, it can prevent the mass from forming or dislodge an already-formed one. As a result, coffee would increase your risk of a dry socket and cause considerable pain and discomfort. Therefore, it’s wise to hold off on drinking it for a few days.

When Is It Safe to Drink Coffee Again?

You should wait at least five days from extraction to have coffee again. Even then, though, you should only re-introduce the beverage slowly and in small amounts.

Two weeks after your procedure, any lingering swelling should have faded. At that point, you can return to your usual coffee intake. Still, contact your dentist if anything feels off or if you have other questions.

Extraction Recovery Tips

Of course, you won’t have to wait as long for coffee if your socket heals quickly. To that end, here are some things you can do to speed up your recovery:

• Don’t Aggravate Your Injury: Stay away from tobacco, alcohol, and vigorous rinsing during the healing process.
• Numb Any Discomfort: For example, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater 24 hours after the extraction. You could also apply a cold cloth or ice bag to reduce swelling. Either action would relieve pain and help your body rest.
• Practice Dentist-Recommended Care: Brush and floss your teeth regularly but avoid the extraction area. Plus, take any medication your dentist prescribes as instructed.

So long as you remember the above factors, you can soon return to drinking coffee. From there, you’ll be on your way back to everyday life.

About the Practice

Bristol Family Dental is based in Bristol, CT, and offers excellent service for teeth and gums. Its team specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency dental treatments. The practice is also a certified provider of Invisalign aligners. Regardless of the procedure, though, patients can rest assured they’ll receive excellent dental care. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or call them at (860)-589-2794.