If you often crave for chilled fizzy water that quenches thirst momentarily and gives you flavors to die for, you sure do love sodas. But if you need to go through tooth extraction you will need to refrain from such sugary consumption. It is only obvious to ask, “when can I drink soda after tooth extraction?” Well, let me give you an in-depth answer to this.
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What is tooth extraction?
So your doctor told you that you need to go through tooth extraction and you know that you will lose a tooth. But before you go through it, you should know what you’re signing up for.
A tooth extraction is a medical procedure that involves the removal of an entire tooth from its socket. These are some of the reasons why your dentist might suggest tooth extraction to you:
- Severe decay or cavities
- Chronic gum disease
- An impacted tooth
- Dental injuries or tooth luxation
- Tooth fracture
- Crowded teeth
Only an experienced and certified dentist can perform the procedure perfectly. These people are known as periodontists or oral surgeons. Once it’s done, taking proper care is crucial to keep complications at bay.
So, what kind of food can a person include in his diet after tooth extraction? When can I drink soda after tooth extraction? Stay tuned to acquire all information about it.
What happens after tooth extraction surgeries?
Your dentist will stitch the area after completing the extraction. He will place some gauze over the site and request you to close your mouth with steady pressure. This slows down the bleeding.
You can take out the gauze after half an hour. Do not panic if you notice light bleeding as it may remain for 24 hours. Soreness is also normal.
Tooth extraction recovery timeline
The recovery time is different for each patient. It also depends on the procedure’s complexity. However, most people can resume their regular food habits within a few days. So, you can return to your workplace and your usual routine within 72 hours. But the jawbone requires several weeks to be healed entirely. So, wait at least a month if you plan on getting a dental implant on the vacant spot.
Types of food you can have after having a tooth removed
Chewing after surgical tooth removal will be risky. So, your doctor will advise you to stay away from certain foods like nuts, popcorn, meat, etc. Any kind of hard food is a big no. But you must stay satiated after the surgery.
The great news is that you can enjoy a variety of nutritious and delicious food like healthy smoothies, fruit juices, and soup bowls after the procedure.
Choosing soft-textured and nutrient-rich food will keep your tummy full and reduce pain. Here are some simple yet delicious options for you:
Broths
Broths are perfect for people recovering from surgeries. They contain connective tissues and simmering bones of fish, lambs, turkeys, cows, chicken, or pigs. So, they taste heavenly and you won’t feel you have having tasteless food.
Loaded with vitamins, amino acids, and many minerals, broths have a range of health benefits.
Avocado
A superfood, avocado is an ideal food to provide healthy fats to your body. It has potassium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. But why should you have it after tooth extraction?
Its creamy and smooth texture makes it a must-have for someone recovering from tooth extraction. But when can I drink soda after tooth extraction?
Blended soups
Having blended soups for a few days after tooth extraction is a great idea. They don’t need chewing and you can consume them easily. They also won’t have bits that might get stuck in the surgical strikes.
One advantage of having soups is that you will remain hydrated, which is necessary after surgery. Just make sure you drink your soup cold as warm soup will cause irritation. Blend a vegetable-based soup to remove chunks.
Applesauce
A dentist strictly warns patients against having apples after tooth extraction. That’s because they are crunchy and hard. But including applesauce in your diet will help you increase the intake of fruits.
Not sure how to make applesauce? Peel off an apple’s skin and seeds and make a puree. This food will decrease pain and inflammation. It will strengthen your immune system and improve wound closure.
Smoothies
Everyone should drink smoothies even if they did not undergo dental surgery. When you cannot have a solid meal, there is nothing like smoothies. The best thing about them is that you can customize them to your taste. So, you won’t even have to drink the same smoothie daily.
Have a fruit-loaded smoothie to ensure your body gets fiber. On the other hand, a smoothie made of protein powder and Greek yogurt will give you energy.
Salmon
Salmon is among the healthiest fish anybody can eat. You should not have it right after the surgery. But after 48 hours have passed, try having salmon without hurting your wound. It will initiate the recovery process as it has omega-3 fatty acids. So, the wound will heal and the pain will decrease.
Hummus
A popular Middle Eastern dip, hummus is yummy. It contains healthy fats, protein, minerals, and vitamins. You can have it even a few hours after the surgery. However, savoring it with pita bread won’t be possible.
Making hummus at home isn’t a hassle if you have a food processor. Ingredients like lemon, olive oil, tahini, garlic, and chickpeas commonly feature in hummus. Premade hummus is also available in the supermarket.
Instant oatmeal
Another nutritious food, oatmeal is filling and has vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As it is sticky, don’t have it within 48 hours after removing the tooth. Instant oats are comparatively less sticky than other oats.
Mashed pumpkin
Pumpkin is easy to cook and has a mushy texture. You can safely have it after tooth removal as there’ll be no need to chew. It has adequate portions of Vitamins E, C, and A as well as minerals like potassium. Make sure you have it once it is fully cooled.
What to avoid eating to get rid of tooth extraction complications
Several food items may end up irritating the wound inside your mouth. They can also prevent the blood from clotting, which is mandatory for healing. So, resist the temptation of having:
- Spicy food (as it can cause irritation or pain)
- Nuts and seeds (which will get lodged in the extraction site and disrupt healing)
- Alcohol (as it may react with the medicines and have adverse effects)
- Crumbly and crunchy food (like cookies and chips, that can infect the wound area)
- Chewy food (as you might bite your lips, tongue, or cheek when the mouth is numb)
When can I drink soda after tooth extraction?
Do you still have the same question in mind: When can I drink soda after wisdom tooth extraction? Here’s why your dentist will warn you against drinking it.
Drinking soda immediately after getting a wisdom tooth removed is not a wise idea. You must wait at least 3 days before you think about enjoying chilled soda. That’s because the acid ingredients present in it can cause bleeding. Soda also has a lot of sugar. So, it can lead to the formation of cavities during the process of healing.
So, what can you drink instead of soda? Cold water is the safest option and you must drink plenty of it. Chicken soup is another palatable and beneficial food to eat even a day after tooth extraction.
How long after tooth removal can you drink coke/soda?
It is better to take some precautions after any kind of surgery. If you went for a decayed tooth removal, you want it to heal as soon as possible. So, don’t do anything that might worsen the situation.
Doctors prohibit patients from drinking any kind of carbonated beverage after the procedure. The same rule applies to people who like to drink alcohol.
Neither alcohol nor soda should be a part of your diet during this phase. So, be careful if you use mouth rinses. Go through the ingredients list to know if it doesn’t have alcohol.
Now here’s the direct answer to your question: When can I drink soda after tooth extraction? You must wait 3 days (72 hours) before consuming soda. Even if you drink it, forget about sipping it through a straw.
How can I drink soda after a tooth extraction?
If you want to drink soda, you cannot drink it through a straw. Many people aren’t aware that drinking from a straw can have negative effects.
A straw creates suction in the mouth. It can lead to the dislodging of blood clots. It might even make the sockets dry. So, whether it’s chilled water, soda, or fruit juice, you can’t use a straw.
Tooth extraction aftercare
How fast you get relief after tooth removal depends on how you care. You will get detailed instructions on post-surgical care from your dentist. Other than consuming the above-mentioned food items, here are some guidelines to ensure quick healing:
Take your medicines on time
Your doctor will prescribe some pain relievers and antibiotics. It’s compulsory to take all the medications as directed. Once the medications stop, you can entertain thoughts like ‘when can I drink soda after tooth extraction?’
Don’t have hot food
Having liquid or semi-liquid food will not suffice. Drinking cool or lukewarm food is crucial after tooth extraction. Any kind of hot liquid like coffee or tea can dilate the blood vessels. This won’t let the bleeding stop.
But soda is not a hot beverage. So, wondering when can I drink soda after tooth extraction. Waiting for a minimum of three days will be good for your oral health.
Keep the site clean
You cannot brush over the stitched area. But that doesn’t mean you should not maintain oral hygiene. Take an antimicrobial mouthwash to gently rinse the extraction site at least twice a day. Floss and brush the rest of your mouth normally.
Talk less for 24 hours
Taking will put pressure on your jaws. So, when the wound is fresh and your mouth is sore, being chatty is a terrible idea. If you have a talkative nature, listen to music, watch movies, and sleep more to limit talking.
Stay away from strenuous activities
You might be thinking why you can’t exercise at the gym after a minor dental surgery. That’s because an elevated heart rate will trigger post-operative discomfort and bleeding. So, skipping the gym for 2-3 days will be good.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is to remember that surgical removal of a wisdom tooth or a rotten tooth is the best thing to do to prevent cavity from spreading. You will face some discomfort for a few days as chewing solid food won’t be an option. But tooth extraction is a brave step that will improve your oral health.
So, can I drink soda after tooth extraction? You already know the answer. Moreover, you will also get a chance to explore your creative self and experiment with soft food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I drink coke 2 days after tooth extraction?
No, you must stop yourself from relishing coke just 48 hours after the surgical removal of a wisdom tooth. The acidity from coke will make the extraction site bleed. So, drink something simple like green tea, chilled milk, etc.
2. Can I use a straw 7 days after tooth extraction?
Most people don’t face any issues a week after the tooth extraction procedure. But your healing time depends on the level of complication. Ideally, you shouldn’t have any problem drinking something with the help of a straw.
3. Can I drink soda 3 days after tooth extraction?
Dentists recommend their patients to stick to healthy beverages and water after tooth extraction. Drinks like lukewarm herbal tea and cold milk will promote healing. After 3 days, you can have soda but not through a straw.