While many patients crave hot coffee and tea after a tooth extraction, avoiding these beverages for a short time promotes healing.
Most dentists recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours after tooth extraction before consuming hot foods and beverages. Hot temperatures can irritate the surrounding gum tissue and cause brief setbacks in healing.
Dentists caution against drinking hot liquids too soon after tooth extraction for the following reasons:
- Heat irritates healing tissue.
- Drinking hot liquids may interfere with the beneficial blood clot that protects your empty socket. Hot liquids may cause the clot to dissolve or fall out. Premature blood clot loss can lead to a dry socket, a painful condition requiring further treatment.
This blog provides a timeline for when you can add your favorite foods to your diet after tooth extraction and explains several tips for helping you recover quickly.
After Your Tooth Extraction
Immediately After Extraction
Dentists recommend drinking cool or lukewarm beverages without a straw. Sucking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot protecting your open socket.
At this stage, foods that require no chewing, such as pudding, applesauce, blended smoothies, ice cream, and yogurt, are fine.
After 24-48 Hours
As you add firmer foods to your diet, you can add warmer beverages. Proceed according to your comfort.
Expert Tips on Healing From a Tooth Extraction
- Follow your practitioner’s advice and post-surgical instructions. Be patient, and do not try to rush the healing process.
- Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where your dentist extracted your tooth.
- Avoid spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for at least a few weeks. These foods can irritate healing gums.
- Use cold compresses on the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling and discomfort. After the first 24 hours, start using a moist heat compress or heating pad to alleviate swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
Why would my dentist recommend a tooth extraction?
If your dentist recommends an extraction, they cannot restore your original tooth due to decay, breakage, or infection. They may also need to extract a tooth to prepare for orthodontic work.
After removing your natural tooth, your dentist will recommend a restoration like an implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Are there alternatives to tooth extraction?
If you receive treatment before the tooth is too far gone, you may be able to save it. Options include fillings, root canals, crowns, and inlays and onlays.
Contact Dentistry of Mendham
Avoiding particular food and drink, as your dentist recommends, can speed up your extraction recovery process and spare you discomfort. If you have further questions about recovery from tooth extraction, please don’t hesitate to contact our Mendham, NJ, office to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to speaking with you!