Nobody really wants to get their tooth pulled, but sometimes your dentist will tell you it’s your only option to relieve your pain and get you smiling again. Thanks to modern dental technology, tooth extractions are more comfortable than ever before. However, it’s perfectly understandable to want to unwind after your procedure. Coffee is one of the more popular beverages of choice, but is it safe to drink coffee after a tooth extraction? Let’s find out.
When Is It Safe to Drink Coffee After a Tooth Extraction?
To ensure your mouth heals properly after the extraction, you should avoid drinking coffee for at least the first five days. After that, you can reintroduce the beverage into your diet, but do so slowly and in small amounts. Your mouth should be fully healed about two weeks after your procedure. However, if you notice your discomfort worsening instead of subsiding, or other issues in your mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.
What Can You Eat and Drink After Getting a Tooth Pulled?
Fortunately, you won’t have to fast completely after a tooth extraction. Here are some tips for following a healthy diet without harming the extraction site:
- When you get home from the dentist’s office, drink two or three glasses of water (without using a straw) and eat a small meal. Do not chew near the extraction site.
- For the first few days, your meals should consist of soft and bland foods like soup, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and refried beans.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids, but avoid hot beverages (like coffee).
How to Promote a Speedy Recovery
Maintaining the right diet is a crucial part of the healing process, but there are many other steps you can take to promote healing, such as:
- Avoid vigorous physical exercise for the first 24-48 hours.
- Do NOT rinse your mouth on the first day – wait until the next day before gently rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution.
- During the first 24 hours, do NOT drink alcohol or use tobacco.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for the first two days.
- Take any medications your dentist has prescribed you as directed.
Even though you can’t drink coffee right away, following these guidelines will keep your smile safe while you’re recovering from your tooth extraction. By maintaining a healthy healing process, you’ll be able to drink your morning cup of joe again before you know it!
About the Practice
At Carlson Advanced Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on our ability to help patients get out of pain and get back to smiling after dental problems. Dr. Richard Carlson, the leader of our skilled dental team, has undergone extensive training at the prestigious Misch Implant Institute. As a result, he can help you replace your tooth with a dental implant once you’ve healed from your tooth extraction. Want to learn more about making a smooth recovery? Contact us today at 904-262-8449.