Around 15 million people in the United States get a root canal every year, so it’s a pretty common procedure.
And like with any surgery, you might be wondering about the recovery process and what you can and cannot do afterward.
It’s totally normal to have some questions, so let’s address one that we get a lot: can you drink coffee after a root canal?
In general, you should avoid chewing on hard foods and anything that is hot for the first 24 hours after your surgery. As for coffee, it’s fine to drink it after a root canal as long as you wait until the anesthesia has worn off.
We know that not being able to drink your favorite hot beverage can be a pain, but it’s important to give your mouth time to recover.
After the first day, you can start to slowly incorporate soft foods and drinks back into your diet. Let’s take a depth look at why you might want to avoid coffee after a root canal.
Can I Drink Coffee After a Root Canal
Root canal procedures are done when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected. This happens when the tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity. During the root canal, the dentist will clean out the infection and then seal the area.
After the root canal, your tooth will be sensitive for a few days. You might also have some swelling in your gums.
Coffee can be irritating or bad to your teeth and gums. The caffeine in coffee can also increase the sensitivity of your teeth.
However, hot temperatures are the real enemy after a root canal. the heat from the coffee can cause the filling in your tooth to expand and contract. This can lead to more pain and discomfort.
It’s best to wait a few days to drink coffee after your root canal. Once the numbness has worn off and your swelling has gone down, you can slowly start to incorporate coffee back into your diet.
How Long After The Root Canal Can I Have Hot Coffee
It’s generally best to wait until the numbness from the root canal wears off before having hot drinks. This can take 24 to 48 hours after having a root canal. You should wait until the area is completely healed to avoid irritating the treatment site.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, you shouldn’t drink hot liquids or eat hard, crunchy foods for a few days of your root canal procedure.
In general, you can expect the root canal recovery process to take a few days. The first day will be the most uncomfortable as your mouth adjusts to the surgery. You might have some swelling and bruising around your gums.
You’ll likely still have some numbness in your mouth for the first day or two. This is from the local anesthesia used during the surgery. The numbness should start to wear off after a day or two.
You can expect your tooth to be sensitive for a few days to a week after the root canal. This is normal and should gradually improve over time. You might also have some tenderness in your gums for a few days.
Can I Drink Coffee a Day After a Root Canal
You should avoid hot coffee and other warm beverages for 24 hours after the procedure. This is because the heat can make your teeth and gums more sensitive. Coffee is also acidic and can irritate your gums.
If you must drink coffee, be sure to wait until the anesthesia has worn off. This can take a few days after your root canal. You should also be careful not to bite your lip or tongue while you’re still numb.
In general, it’s best to stick to cooler drinks and foods for the first day or two after a root canal. This will help you avoid any discomfort.
After that, you can slowly start reintroducing other foods and beverages into your diet. Just be sure to avoid anything that’s too hot or hard.
Coffee isn’t the only thing you should avoid after a root canal. You’ll also want to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and sugary foods and drinks. These can all contribute to tooth decay and other problems.
Can I Drink Cold Coffee After Root Canal Treatment
Eating or drinking anything cold too soon after the procedure can cause significant discomfort.
It’s best to wait until the numbness from the procedure has worn off. The cold temperature of the coffee can irritate these nerves and cause pain.
The first day or two after your root canal will be the most uncomfortable. Your tooth may be sensitive to pressure and temperature changes. It’s important to avoid any extremes, whether it’s hot or cold.
If you do drink cold coffee, be sure to take small sips and be mindful of any discomfort you may feel. You may also want to avoid using a straw. Sucking can put extra pressure on the tooth and cause pain.
Most people can start drinking cold beverages a few days after their root canal. However, you may want to avoid anything too cold or sweet. These can cause discomfort and may even cause your tooth to become more sensitive.
What Not To Do After a Root Canal
Getting a root canal is no fun. But once it’s over, you’re on the road to recovery, right? Well, sort of. There are a few things you should avoid doing in the days after a root canal, or you could end up right back in the dentist’s chair.
Be careful with these things after a root canal:
- Eating hard or crunchy foods: Chewing hard foods can put too much pressure on your teeth and irritate the treatment site.
- Drinking hot beverages: Hot coffee, tea, or soup can cause pain and irritation after a root canal.
- Drinking alcohol: Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry sockets. This is a condition where the blood clot that forms around the tooth becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves.
- Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of dry sockets and can delay healing. It’s best to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Eating sugary beverages: Sugar can promote the growth of bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
- Strenuous activity: Exercise and other strenuous activities can increase blood flow and lead to bleeding and swelling. It’s best to take it easy for the first day or two after a root canal.
- Touching the treatment site: It’s important to leave the treatment site alone as it heals. Touching it can irritate the area and delay healing.
- Using a straw: Sucking can put too much pressure on the tooth and cause pain.
Now that you know what to avoid after a root canal, you can focus on recovery. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and take things easy for a few days.
Conclusion
A root canal can be a necessary but unpleasant procedure. Fortunately, recovery is usually relatively straightforward. You shouldn’t drink coffee after root canal treatment before the anesthesia wears off.
Be sure to avoid hot drinks until your tooth is fully healed. Stick to lukewarm or cold beverages for the first few days. After that, you can drink coffee as usual, but take care not to damage your tooth.
