When Can You Drink Coffee After Tooth Extraction?
It is important to know when you can drink coffee following a tooth extraction, as coffee is quite acidic and can interfere with the healing of your wound if consumed too soon. After a tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend that you do not drink coffee for at least 48 hours.
Instructions After a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist will likely advise you to:
- Avoid drinking coffee: For the first 48 hours, avoid drinking coffee entirely. The acidity of regular and decaffeinated coffee can interfere with the clotting of your blood, which can delay healing or allow for infection to occur.
- Avoid using a straw: For the same 48-hour period, also avoid using a straw. Using a straw can suck away the clot that forms in the socket, leading to dry socket, which is an exposed nerve. Dry socket can cause quite a bit of pain and delay healing.
- Avoid swishing: After 48 hours, you can swish your mouth with warm salt water, but do not swish too vigorously, as this can also dislodge the clot.
When Can You Drink Coffee Again?
Once the 48-hour time period has passed following your tooth extraction, you can begin drinking coffee again. However, it is best to proceed with caution.
- Drink lightly: Start off by drinking coffee lightly and infrequently. Do not drink coffee every day at first, and stick to a light cup.
- Avoid straws: When drinking coffee, do not use a straw, as this can still interfere with the healing process.
- Watch for pain: Watch to make sure you do not experience increased sensitivity or increased pain. If so, stop drinking coffee until more healing has taken place.
By following these instructions, you can safely and comfortably drink coffee after a tooth extraction.
