Tooth extractions are sometimes needed by all of us. . A tooth that is too decayed or damaged to be saved and will need to be extracted. A root canal that has failed often results in an extraction.
Whatever the reason for the procedure, it is important to listen to your periodontist’s instructions following dental extractions. This means only eating and drinking what we recommend for your comfort and healing. If you enjoy coffee, tea, or other hot beverages, you may be wondering how soon you can have them after your extraction. Here’s a guideline for eating and drinking after having one or more teeth extracted.
Liquid Diet for 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after an extraction is when you should be the most careful about what you eat or drink. A liquid or soft diet is recommended for the first 24 hours to prevent damage and irritation to the extraction site. Cold beverages are best to reduce swelling and inflammation. But what about hot beverages? Generally straws should be avoided.
Unfortunately you should wait a few days before drinking anything very hot. After the first 24 hours you can have lukewarm beverages or soup, but nothing too hot. You may be ready to drink hot beverages afew days after your extraction. But sip carefully at first until you determine that your mouth is healed enough.
Why Avoid Hot Liquids?
What can happen if you drink hot liquids too soon after an extraction?
- Pain. First and foremost you’ll feel the pain of a hot beverage on your sore gum tissue. Even with pain medication, a hot drink can still hurt.
- Inflammation. After surgery some inflammation of the gum tissue is normal, which means it will already be warm and sensitive. Drinking something hot will only accelerate the inflammation rather than reduce it.
- Dry socket. The empty socket after a tooth extraction will form a blood clot that stops the bleeding and allows your gum tissue to heal. Drinking hot liquids can dislodge this blood clot or prevent it from forming and cause dry socket, a painful condition following an extraction. You should also avoid drinking from a straw to prevent dry socket.
When Can I Eat Solid Foods?
It is best to work up to eating more solid foods gradually. Start with soft foods after the first 24 hours and work up to more solid foods in the days following. Don’t eat anything crunchy or hard for at least 5 days, such as chips, popcorn, nuts, or pretzels. Be sure to let your food cool thoroughly before eating and avoid spicy foods that could irritate your gums. Pizza and club sandwiches are not your friends at this point.
Perio Implant Specialists of NJ Provides Extractions
Perio Implant Specialists of New Jersey provides extractions as well as dental implant replacements. Replacing extracted teeth is an important part of your dental health. Leaving an empty space in your mouth can cause your other teeth to shift out of place and the support structures for the missing tooth to dissolve. Dental implants help reduce bone atrophy and help keep your teeth in proper alignment.
Call 973-729-9392 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.