Have you recently had a tooth extracted, or do you have an upcoming appointment for a tooth extraction? If so, you may be wondering how soon your diet will return to normal after the procedure, including when you can start drinking hot coffee again. Many people not only like coffee but depend on it for the caffeine and energy boost it offers. Others like a hot cup of tea for the herbal benefits. Whatever hot liquids you enjoy, here’s some general guidance about when you can start drinking them again after your tooth extraction.
Wait 24-48 Hours Before Drinking Hot Liquids
Tooth removal can cause the surrounding gum tissues near the extraction site to be sore for around 24-48 hours. Depending on the extraction, some cutting of the gum tissue may be required to remove the tooth. Hot liquids can irritate these already injured tissues.
Another important part of the healing process is the formation of a blood clot in the socket where the tooth used to be. This blood clot needs to remain in place for a few days to a week while the site heals. Drinking hot liquids in the first day or two after your extraction could cause the clot to melt or dislodge, leading to a condition called “dry socket.” Dry socket can be painful and delay your recovery time.
What Can I Drink?
We recommend drinking cold beverages, without using a straw, for the first day or two following your extraction. Not only are cold liquids more comfortable to drink when your mouth is sore, but they also reduce initial swelling and inflammation. If you feel the need to have coffee, consider drinking iced coffee and avoid using a straw. The sucking motion that is required to drink from a straw can dislodge the blood clot in the empty tooth socket and lead to dry socket.
You can also get caffeine from iced tea, but we advise avoiding carbonated beverages like soft drinks because they can dislodge the blood clot. Drinking milkshakes or smoothies, without using a straw, or eating ice cream or yogurt with a spoon is also acceptable.
Proceed With Caution Until You Feel Comfortable
After the first 24-48 hours, you can start experimenting with warm liquids and soft foods. When it comes to food, work up to more solid textures and try to avoid chewing in the area of your mouth where the tooth was extracted.
What Can I Eat?
For the first few days after your tooth extraction, it is best to eat soft foods that won’t irritate your mouth. Some examples of soft foods to eat include:
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Fish
Manchester Oral Surgery Provides Tooth Extractions
If you need to have one or more teeth extracted, Manchester Oral Surgery specializes in this service. We offer a range of sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. In select cases, our minimally invasive approach to dental extractions can lead to a faster recovery, so you can get back to enjoying the foods and beverages you love.
To learn more, call 603-622-9441 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.