Can I Drink Coffee After Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful ordeal, so you might be eager to restore a sense of normalcy after having one. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on Earth and a daily ritual for millions of people, but it’s best to avoid this dark and flavorful brew for a few days after having a tooth removed. Here’s why it’s best to skip drinking coffee for a while after tooth extraction so you can make a brief and thorough recovery.

Why Is Drinking Coffee After a Tooth Extraction Not a Good Idea?

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot develops over the empty socket to protect the vulnerable tissues and bone structure within. However, if a blood clot doesn’t develop properly or falls off before the wound has completely healed, the patient will experience a severely painful condition known as dry socket. Unfortunately, drinking coffee increases a patient’s risk of developing this miserable problem. It’s best to skip drinking coffee for a few days after tooth extraction.

What Should I Drink After Having a Tooth Removed?

It’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions to the letter to keep your recovery period brief and ensure that the wound heals properly. It’s best to stock up on easily made soft foods with mild flavors like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese before the procedure, and water is absolutely the most ideal beverage for people who have just had a tooth extraction. Water contains no acid that can irritate the wound or sugar that can feed harmful infectious bacteria, meaning a patient can drink it without fear.

When Can I Drink Coffee Again?

If your healing is going well, you’ll want to wait five days at least before having another cup of java, but it’s best to enjoy it slowly and in small amounts at first. After about two weeks, you should only have minimal swelling and can return to consuming coffee normally. However, if you have lingering pain or swelling at this point, contact your dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He has completed the Implant Continuum at Columbia University and is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. His office in Manasquan, NJ offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as tooth extractions. For more information on post-operative care for tooth extractions, contact his office online or dial (732) 223-9199.