Tooth extraction is something that many people eventually have to face, whether to remove the wisdom teeth or remove a broken tooth. While the extraction itself might not be too painful, the recovery can be much worse if you’re not careful. In addition to initial discomfort and recovery, there are things that you have to avoid while the extraction site is healing.
But, what about coffee, and should it be avoided after tooth extraction entirely? Thankfully, coffee itself is not on the list of things to avoid after tooth extraction. However, there are some things you should know before stopping at your favorite chain and guzzling down an iced coffee.
About Tooth Extraction
Getting a tooth extracted can be scary, especially if it is your first time getting this procedure done. Tooth extraction is a procedure a dentist performs to safely remove a tooth that is damaged, rotten, or causing crowding among other teeth. It’s also the main method of getting wisdom teeth removed, which many people have to go through eventually.
Most teeth are extracted quickly and relatively painlessly with an elevator tool to remove the tooth, but shattered, decayed, or deformed teeth may need surgical removal. Regardless of whether it’s a quick extraction or a surgical procedure, the result is an open wound where the tooth used to sit. Once it’s done, the dentist will pack it with gauze.
Post-Extraction Info
Unfortunately, tooth extraction itself is the easy part. Aftercare is where things can quickly take a turn for the worse. Pulling a tooth leaves a big, gaping wound in your jaw that needs to heal with time, so aftercare is crucial. However, it’s less about what to do and more about what not to do to prevent painful complications.
Above all else, the most important part of healing a tooth extraction is to avoid smoking or drinking from a straw or any sucking maneuver. The reason is that the suction from a straw or smoking can dislodge the blood clot in the wound and cause a dry socket, which is extremely painful and delays healing. Other things to avoid are eating solid foods and anything too hot or cold, which can either get stuck in the wound or cause pain from the extreme temperature.
What About Coffee After A Tooth Extraction?
So, what does this mean for coffee drinkers that need a tooth extracted? Like we said above, coffee itself isn’t an issue, and you can still enjoy your morning brew. However, you’ll have to make some adjustments in order to prevent pain and, more importantly, dry sockets.
If you’re an iced coffee drinker, you’ll want to swap out that straw for a “straw-less lid.” The cold temperature of the iced coffee might be jarring on the fresh wound, but it’s not as much of an issue as drinking out of a straw is. For hot coffee drinkers, let that cup of joe sit for a little bit before taking a sip. The hot temperatures might burn the open wound and cause a lot of pain, so it’s important to let it cool down a bit.
Conclusion
Other than details like straws and temperature, coffee is usually fine unless otherwise told by your dentist. Always follow the aftercare steps your dentist gives you, which will help speed up the recovery process. It is most important to avoid drinking out of straws and smoking, which are two main causes of dry sockets. When in doubt, avoid anything that you think will cause complications and consult with your dentist if you’re not sure.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
