What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR;

After wisdom teeth removal, avoid hot, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages for at least 24–72 hours. Stick with room-temperature water, lukewarm herbal teas, and nutrient-rich drinks without using a straw. Drinking the wrong thing can cause serious complications like dry socket.

Why Drink Choices Matter After Wisdom Teeth Removal

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Your drink choices immediately after oral surgery can directly affect how quickly and safely you heal. Choosing the wrong beverage may delay your recovery or even cause painful complications.

Why this matters:

  • The surgical site needs a stable blood clot to protect the bone and nerve.
  • Drinks that are too hot, acidic, or carbonated can dislodge this clot or irritate the site.
  • Suction from straws can lead to dry socket, a painful condition that exposes the bone.

Staying hydrated:

  • Keeps the mouth clean
  • Supports cell repair
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Aids the body in fighting off infections, And just like your drink choices, what you eat during recovery is just as important—explore our Post-Extraction Food Guide to learn which foods help healing and which to avoid.

What to Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal (By Timeline)

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Safe Drinks in the First 24 Hours

Only consume soft, non-acidic, and cool or lukewarm beverages. Avoid anything that could burn, irritate, or disturb the extraction site.

Best options:

  • Room-temperature water (sip gently)

     

  • Lukewarm chamomile or herbal tea (no caffeine)

     

  • Clear broth or mild bone broth

     

  • Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte (not too cold)

     

  • Oral rehydration solutions

     

Days 2–5: Add Gentle Nutrition

Once bleeding has fully stopped and you’re less swollen, you can introduce more nutritious drinks.

You can safely consume:

  • Smoothies (no seeds, no citrus, no straw)

     

  • Protein shakes (no straw)

     

  • Chocolate milk or plain milk (room temperature)

     

  • Meal replacement drinks (e.g., Ensure, Boost)

     

  • Fruit and vegetable juices (diluted, non-citrus)

     

After Day 5–7: More Flexibility

As healing progresses, your options increase. However, caution is still needed with heat and acidity.

Drinks you can enjoy:

  • Iced coffee or cold brew (no straw)

     

  • Coconut water

     

  • Diluted apple juice

     

  • Decaf lukewarm coffee

     

  • Lukewarm tea (non-caffeinated or decaf)

     

  • Nutritional smoothies with add-ins like Greek yogurt

     

What Drinks Help After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Choosing drinks that promote healing is smart. Go for ones packed with hydration, protein, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Top healing drinks:

  • Protein shakes with collagen, whey, or plant protein

     

  • Smoothies with banana, Greek yogurt, almond butter

     

  • Homemade bone broth (rich in minerals)

     

  • Pedialyte or Gatorade for electrolyte balance

     

  • Vitamin C-rich drinks (but not citrus early on)

     

These support:

  • Tissue regeneration

     

  • Reduced inflammation

     

  • Faster wound closure

     

Worst Drinks After Tooth Extraction

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Avoid These at All Costs:

For the first 72 hours, steer clear of:

  • Hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate)
  • Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
  • Carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water)
  • Acidic juices (orange, grapefruit, lemonade)
  • Energy drinks (loaded with caffeine and sugar)
  • Milkshakes (if consumed through a straw)

 

Drinking soda after wisdom teeth removal is especially risky—carbonation and acidity can disrupt healing and increase the chance of dry socket. Learn more about Soda After Wisdom Teeth Removal.

Why avoid them?

  • Heat can dissolve the protective clot
  • Bubbles (carbonation) can cause clot dislodgement
  • Acids delay healing and irritate tissues
  • Straws create suction, increasing dry socket risk

Recovery Timeline: What to Drink and When

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Drinking With a Straw After Wisdom Teeth Removal

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Short answer: Don’t.
Using a straw—even gently—can suck the clot right out of your socket. This can lead to dry socket, which is not only painful but also delays healing for several days.

Rule of thumb:

  • No straws for at least 7 full days

     

  • Sip slowly from a cup instead

     

Nutritional Drinks That Support Healing

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Fueling your body from the inside helps wounds close faster and keeps your energy up during recovery.

Ideal nutrients for recovery:

  • Protein: repairs tissue and builds new cells

     

  • Vitamin C: boosts collagen production

     

  • Zinc & Iron: critical for immune function

     

Easy DIY recovery drinks:

  • Banana-yogurt smoothie: banana, plain yogurt, almond milk

     

  • Green smoothie: steamed spinach, cucumber, Greek yogurt, protein powder

     

  • Berry shake: blueberries, Greek yogurt, chia (if well-blended), protein powder

     

Tip from Buford Dentist:
Stick to room temperature and blend until smooth—avoid seeds, skins, or thick textures early on.

FAQ: What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Coffee & Tea

Can I drink coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, after 24 hours. Stick with lukewarm temperatures to avoid damaging the healing tissue or dissolving the blood clot. Hot coffee too soon can trigger dry socket.

Can I drink iced coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, after the first 24 hours. Just avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the clot and slow healing. Sip slowly from a cup instead.

Can I drink hot coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

No, avoid it for at least 24 hours. Heat can disrupt clot formation, increasing your risk of infection and dry socket.

Can I drink decaf coffee after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, as long as it’s lukewarm and consumed after 24 hours. Even without caffeine, the temperature matters more during early healing.

Can I drink hot tea after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid hot tea in the first 24 hours. You can introduce lukewarm herbal teas after that to help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.

Can I drink herbal tea after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, lukewarm herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint are safe. These can soothe the surgical site and even aid in reducing swelling.

Can I drink iced tea after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, once 24 hours have passed. Just be sure to avoid straws and excessive cold which might irritate sensitive gums.

Can I drink hot chocolate after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid it for at least 24–48 hours. It’s both hot and often sugary, which can irritate the extraction site and raise risk of infection.

Juices & Smoothies

Can I drink juice after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, but stick with non-acidic options like diluted apple juice. Avoid anything citrus-based early on due to its irritating acidity.

Can I drink orange juice after wisdom teeth removal?

No, orange juice is too acidic and can sting the surgical area. Wait at least 3–5 days before reintroducing it.

Can I drink apple juice after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, after the first 24 hours. It’s mild and non-acidic, but still best when diluted and consumed at room temperature.

Can I drink smoothies after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, smoothies are great after 24–48 hours. Make sure they’re seedless and smooth in texture, and never use a straw.

Can I drink protein shakes after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, and they’re a great source of healing nutrients. Just remember to drink directly from a cup to avoid creating suction.

Milk & Dairy

Can I drink milk after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, lukewarm milk is safe and can provide calcium and protein. Skip the straw and avoid very cold temperatures.

Can I drink chocolate milk after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, but in moderation. Make sure it’s not too cold and that you’re sipping it slowly from a cup.

Can I drink a milkshake after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, as long as it’s not too cold and you're not using a straw. Cold temperatures may cause sensitivity in healing tissues.

Can I drink Ensure after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, Ensure and similar meal replacement drinks are nutrient-dense and easy to swallow. Always consume them without a straw.

Water & Hydration

Can I drink cold water after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, and it can even help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Just sip slowly and avoid swishing or spitting.

Can I drink cold drinks after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, but be cautious with very cold items as they may trigger pain or sensitivity. Stick to lukewarm or cool over icy.

Can I drink Gatorade after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, but choose low-sugar versions or dilute them with water. Gatorade helps replenish lost electrolytes, especially if you’ve been groggy or haven’t eaten much.

Can I drink Pedialyte after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, Pedialyte is a great option for rehydration. It’s gentle and full of electrolytes, making it ideal post-surgery.

Soda & Carbonated Drinks

Can I drink soda after wisdom teeth removal?

No, avoid for at least 48–72 hours. The carbonation can dislodge your blood clot and sugar can promote bacterial growth.

Can I drink Coke after wisdom teeth removal?

No, Coke is both carbonated and acidic, which makes it doubly risky. Wait several days before reintroducing.

Can I drink Sprite after wisdom teeth removal?

No, despite being lighter, Sprite is still carbonated and can affect your healing site. Avoid for at least two days.

Can I drink sparkling water after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid it for the first 2–3 days. Even unflavored sparkling water can cause bubbling at the extraction site, risking clot disruption.

Can I drink carbonated drinks after wisdom teeth removal?

No, carbonation increases the chance of dry socket and slows recovery. Wait until your oral surgeon clears you.

Alcohol

Can I drink beer after wisdom teeth removal?

No, wait at least 72 hours. Alcohol thins your blood and may interact negatively with painkillers or antibiotics.

Can I drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid alcohol entirely for 72 hours or longer. It interferes with healing, increases bleeding risk, and may numb you to signs of infection.

Can I drink wine after wisdom teeth removal?

No, wine is acidic and alcoholic, both of which hinder healing. Wait several days and consult your dentist.

Can I drink liquor after wisdom teeth removal?

No, hard liquor is especially harsh on healing tissues. Delay consumption until the site is fully closed and you're off medications.

Miscellaneous

Can I drink with a straw after wisdom teeth removal?

No. The suction can dislodge the healing clot and cause a dry socket. Avoid all straws for at least 7 days.

Can I drink energy drinks after wisdom teeth removal?

Avoid for at least 72 hours. Energy drinks are often highly caffeinated and sugary, both of which can interfere with proper recovery.