Drinking from a straw is very problematic post-tonsillectomy for two reasons: First, the sucking motion may disrupt the clot at the operative site. Second, insertion of the straw into the mouth may disrupt the clot at the operative site. Orange juice and antiseptic mouthwash will irritate the tissue at the operative site. Milk promotes mucus production, which increases the need to swallow, potentially irritating the operative site. Still, drinking from a straw presents the most potential harm.
