For most people, a daily cup of coffee (or two) is perfectly harmless. There is even some evidence to indicate that coffee can have health benefits! But what if you have recently undergone a dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction? Can you continue to enjoy coffee during your recovery period? This blog post explains some important facts that you should keep in mind.
Coffee May Increase the Risk of Dry Socket
After your extraction is completed, a blood clot should form at the site of your procedure. That clot is very important for your body’s healing process; it can protect the empty socket and facilitate your body’s recovery. Unfortunately, coffee may increase the chances that the clot will fail to form. Or, it might disturb a newly formed clot. As a result, you could end up suffering from a complication known as dry socket.
Dry socket is treatable, but it can also be very painful and significantly prolong your recovery time. It would be best to avoid it if at all possible!
How exactly might coffee increase your risk of dry socket? There are two ways:
- Caffeine. Caffeine can increase blood flow and blood pressure. This increases the risk of bleeding, which might dissolve or dislodge your blood clot.
- Temperature. Most people who drink coffee like it to be very hot. Unfortunately, the liquid’s high temperature can endanger your blood clot. It might also irritate nerve endings at the extraction site and cause significant discomfort. Therefore, your dentist might recommend that you avoid all hot beverages, not only coffee, during the first part of your recovery.
When Can You Drink Coffee Again?
In most cases, it is safe to drink coffee 5 days or so after a tooth extraction. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you underwent surgical tooth removal, you might need to wait a bit longer. Ask your dental team how long you should wait before you start drinking coffee again.
When you decide to start drinking coffee again, start out gradually. For example, try having just a small cup or a larger cup of half-decaf. Pay attention to how your mouth and body react. If you notice any extra soreness, bleeding, or tenderness at your extraction site, you might not be fully ready to resume your daily coffee habit.
What to Drink Instead of Coffee
Even though coffee should be temporarily off-limits after your extraction, there are lots of other tasty beverages that you will be able to consume. For example, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Smoothies (without seeds), broth, and caffeine-free tea (that is not too hot) are good choices. You could even sip on an iced decaf coffee.
Coffee is delicious and invigorating, but it could mess up your healing process after a tooth extraction. Listen to your dentist’s advice so you do not accidentally derail your recovery.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Andrew R. Glynn is a skilled dentist who is proud to serve the Reynoldsburg community. He and our team place a high priority on patient comfort as we perform tooth extractions and a range of other procedures. If you are curious about what to expect during and after tooth removal, we would be happy to answer your questions. Contact Glynn Dental at 614-864-4618.