Can You Drink Sweet Tea After A Tooth Extraction?

If there is one thing we love here in Raleigh, and NC in general, it’s sweet tea! Is there anything that says summertime more than a pitcher of sweet tea on the back porch? Whatever the season, we love enjoying a glass of sweet tea as much as the next person. Because of its popularity, one of the most common questions we get from our patients is: can I drink sweet tea after a tooth extraction?

How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Drink Tea?

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, you might be eager to return to your favorite drinks like sweet tea. It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming any tea. This waiting period helps ensure that the initial healing process isn’t disrupted. During the first day, stick to drinking water or clear, non-carbonated beverages at room temperature.

Is Iced Tea OK After Tooth Extraction?

Iced tea can be consumed after a tooth extraction, but there are some precautions you should take. Avoid drinking iced tea (or any other beverage) through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket. Also, make sure the iced tea isn’t too cold, as extreme temperatures can irritate the extraction site.

What Drinks Are OK After Tooth Extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it’s crucial to keep hydrated while also protecting the extraction site. Here are some safe beverage choices:

• Water: Always the best option for hydration.
• Non-citrus juices: Apple juice or grape juice can be good choices.
• Milk: A gentle and nutritious option.
• Electrolyte drinks: Gatorade, Powerade, or Pedialyte can help keep you hydrated.

Is Sugar OK After Tooth Extraction?

While a little sugar won’t necessarily harm you, it’s best to avoid sugary drinks and foods immediately after your tooth extraction. Sugar can feed bacteria, which could lead to an infection at the extraction site. If you do consume something with sugar, make sure to rinse your mouth gently with water afterwards.

How Long Does the Hole Take to Close After Tooth Extraction?

The hole left after a tooth extraction, also known as the socket, will start to close up within a few days as new tissue begins to form. However, it can take several weeks for the socket to fully heal and close. Generally, the soft tissue will close up in about 3 to 4 weeks, while the bone can take several months to completely fill in and heal.

What Is Not Allowed After Tooth Extraction?

To ensure a smooth recovery after a tooth extraction, avoid the following:

• Using straws: The suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco: Both can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
• Alcohol: It can interfere with healing and interact poorly with any pain medications you may be taking.
• Spicy and acidic foods: These can irritate the extraction site.
• Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: They can get lodged in the extraction site and cause irritation or infection.

Drinking Through a Straw After Tooth Extraction

Whatever you choose to drink after a tooth extraction, the number one rule dentists will tell you is to avoid drinking from a straw at all costs. This is because drinking through a straw can cause a dry socket, which is very painful and will extend the time it takes your wounds to heal. The vacuum pressure created in your mouth when sucking on a straw can cause blood clots that have been built up to be removed from where your extracted teeth are healing. So if you’re going to drink anything from water to sweet tea, do not use a straw.

What Foods Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

Immediately after your tooth extraction procedure, avoid solid foods. Focus on eating soft or liquid foods like:

• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Milkshakes
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Pudding

This soft diet can make recovery easier and more comfortable. Avoid crunchy foods like chips or crackers, hard foods like candies, and sticky foods like gum and taffy. Stick to soft foods or liquids to make sure that your mouth heals perfectly and you’ll be back to solid foods in no time.

Can I Drink Soda After a Tooth Extraction?

Avoid carbonated beverages immediately following your tooth extraction procedure, including sodas and seltzer water. Diet Coke will still be there waiting for you in a few days when your jaw is fully healed! After your procedure, focus on drinking lots of water to facilitate healing and stay hydrated. Beverages like Gatorade, Powerade, and Pedialyte can also be great options to help you stay hydrated and heal up quickly.

Visit Lane and Associates for Tooth Extraction Services in Raleigh and the Triangle!

If you are in need of tooth extraction or other dental services, our Lane and Associates team is here to help! Contact our Raleigh team at 919-876-2464 to schedule an appointment, or find your nearest office here. At Lane & Associates, we love to make you smile! Get in touch today and let us help give you the smile you deserve.