When Can I Have Coffee After a Tooth Extraction?

Coffee is life, as they say, but sometimes when you’re not feeling your best, life as usual must be put on hold. This is especially true when it comes to having a tooth extracted. Tooth extractions may not seem like a big deal, but they do require a bit of downtime and a few key changes to your routine to successfully heal. Unfortunately, that means you must lay off the coffee for at least a few days following your procedure. Here’s why when you get a tooth removed, it’s important to (temporarily!) forgo the joe.

Why Can’t I Drink Coffee?

While coffee may provide you with a warm, comforting boost of energy each morning, it can do more harm than good when it comes to recovering from a tooth extraction. For starters, it is important to avoid hot liquids for at least the first 24 hours following your procedure, as this can not only cause pain and sensitivity, but it can also prevent a clot from forming in your extraction site. Clotting is necessary to stop the bleeding and prevent bacteria and food from entering the gums.

But wait! Don’t reach for that iced coffee just yet, either. The other important reason you should hold off on that delicious cup of java is that caffeine can cause your blood vessels to enlarge, making it harder to stop bleeding. It can also increase your blood pressure and because you cannot eat solid foods, the acidity from those magical beans can increase your risk of heartburn and nausea.

How Long Do I Need to Wait Before I Can Drink Coffee Again?

Thankfully, you don’t have to quit coffee forever following your tooth extraction. While it is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before consuming hot foods or beverages, you should wait around five days before drinking hot coffee again.

If you must have coffee before then, room temperature or iced decaf can be consumed after the first 24 hours.

What Should I Drink After a Tooth Extraction?

The best thing you can drink after a tooth extraction is water. Whether it’s tap water or bottled is not important: just make sure it is room temperature for the first 24 hours, so you don’t experience any unwanted sensitivity. After that, you can drink cold water or other chilled beverages like juice or milk. But try to avoid anything too sugary, carbonated, or caffeinated for as long as possible.

Furthermore, it is very important that you do not drink anything through a straw during your recovery period, as this can also cause your clot to dislodge.

While it might be hard to give up that cherished cup of coffee for a few days, don’t despair. Use your caffeine-free time to relax and heal from your tooth extraction, and you and you’re cup of joe will be back to taking on the world before you know it!

About Dr. Hermen

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen enjoys working together with his patients to help them achieve their oral health goals. Whether you need an exam, a cosmetic procedure, restorations, or a tooth extraction, Dr. Hermen is proud to provide compassionate care to patients of all ages. He is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and has served on the board of the Oklahoma County Dental Society for more than 20 years.

To schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction, please visit our website or call 405-621-2100.