TLDR;
No, you should not drink soda after wisdom teeth removal. The carbonation can disrupt healing, the acidity can irritate the extraction site, and the sugar increases the risk of infection. It’s best to wait at least one to two weeks before reintroducing soda and choose safer alternatives in the meantime.
After having your wisdom teeth removed, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Many patients wonder if they can resume their usual diet, particularly when it comes to drinking soda. The short answer is no—drinking soda after wisdom teeth extraction can lead to complications like dry socket, irritation, and delayed healing.
To understand why soda should be avoided, let’s break down how it affects your mouth post-extraction, the risks involved, and when it’s safe to drink soda again.
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure that requires a careful healing process. After the extraction, a blood clot forms over the wound, protecting it and allowing new tissue to regenerate. This clot is crucial—if it becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon, it can lead to painful complications like dry socket.
Healing happens in several stages:
In some cases, wisdom teeth extraction can also impact the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw stiffness or discomfort. If you're experiencing jaw pain or clicking after removal, check out Wisdom Teeth & TMJ to learn how they are connected and what you can do about it.
Certain factors can slow or complicate recovery, including:
This is why avoiding certain foods and drinks, including soda, is crucial in the early recovery period.
While soda may seem harmless, it poses multiple risks after wisdom teeth removal.
Soda’s bubbles come from carbonation, which can create pressure in the mouth. This pressure can dislodge the forming blood clot, leading to dry socket, one of the most painful complications of tooth extraction.
Additionally, carbonation may cause irritation and discomfort around the healing site, prolonging the recovery period.
Soda is both acidic and high in sugar, which is a bad mix for a healing mouth.
Drinking soda—especially through a straw—creates suction pressure in the mouth. This can pull the blood clot from the extraction site, leading to dry socket, which exposes the bone and nerves beneath, causing intense pain and requiring additional treatment.
Always consult with your dentist, such as Buford Dentist, for personalized recommendations on when it’s safe to resume normal dietary habits.
If soda is off-limits, what can you drink instead? The best choices are hydrating, non-irritating beverages that promote healing.
Some drinks can delay healing and increase discomfort, including:
Craving soda but need a safer alternative? Try these:
Oral surgeons widely agree that soda should be avoided in the first stages of recovery. Buford Dentist advises patients to stick to gentle, non-carbonated, and sugar-free beverages for at least one to two weeks after surgery.
Many patients who drank soda too soon reported:
Those who followed their dentist’s advice and avoided soda experienced faster, smoother recoveries with fewer complications.
Can I drink Sprite after wisdom teeth removal?
No. Despite being a clear soda, Sprite is carbonated and acidic, posing the same risks as other sodas.
What is the best juice to drink after tooth extraction?
Apple or pear juice (diluted) is best. Avoid citrus juices like orange juice due to their acidity.
Is sparkling water safer than soda after wisdom teeth surgery?
No. While it lacks sugar, sparkling water is still carbonated and can disrupt healing.
When can I drink Coke after getting my wisdom teeth out?
You should wait at least one to two weeks before drinking Coke, depending on your healing progress.
Drinking soda after wisdom teeth removal is not recommended due to the risks of dry socket, irritation, and infection. The carbonation, acidity, and sugar content can slow down healing and cause unnecessary complications.
For a smooth recovery, stick to water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks while avoiding carbonated beverages for at least one to two weeks. If you have concerns, consult Buford Dentist for expert guidance on post-surgery care.
