Background Information
Coffee is a delicious, beloved morning treat for many, but many individuals are unaware that their consumption of coffee directly after getting a crown can lead to discomfort or further injury. Getting a crown is a procedure that takes as little as one or two dental office visits. The crown is typically a cap or a covering that is placed on a damaged tooth. The consequence of not getting a crown could be long-term dental damage, including infections and gum issues. But when someone does get a crown, certain restrictions on the food and drinks that they consume should be taken to preserve its integrity.
Relevant Data and Expert Opinions
To help maintain the integrity of a crown, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming any drinks or food that are under the radar. Hot beverages such as coffee are included in this list. For individuals who have just had a crown put in, more time is better than none. Many dentists recommend to wait one to two weeks before consuming hot beverages, as it may help avoid any discomfort that arises from the temperature.
However, this may not be the case for everyone, as individual thresholds and tolerances vary. Some dentists recommend waiting just a few hours before drinking coffee after installing the crown and waiting the week to fully enjoy the flavour of the coffee.
Own Insights and Analysis
Coffee is a drink that has been enjoyed for centuries and is known for its plethora of flavours, as well as its health benefits, including positive effects on heart health, and improved mental alertness. Given the rarity of simply being able to enjoy a cup of coffee, it is understandable that some individuals may be reluctant to forego it for even a brief amount of time.
That being said, the reality is that getting a crown is for the long-term maintenance and protection of the health of your teeth. Though it’s understandable, the simple pleasure of drinking a cup of coffee can not compare to the benefits of having healthy and strong teeth, and should never be prioritized over the well being of your mouth.
Tips and Advice
The single most important consideration when looking to consume coffee after getting a crown is to listen to and follow the advice given to you by your dentist. Every person is different, and everyone has different needs when it comes to taking care of their teeth.
If your dentist has advised you to wait, then it is important to adhere to that and keep to it, even if it is difficult. Coffee may be enjoyable and tasty, but it is ultimately small potatoes when compared to the many years, even decades of satisfaction and pleasure that a healthy set of teeth can bring!
Importance of Proper Diet
Adopting a diet consisting of minimally processed, natural foods and beverages is essential to maintain the health of one’s teeth and mouth after they’ve had a crown put in. It is important to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, dairy products and nuts into one’s diet, as they provide nutrients essential for keeping our teeth strong and healthy.
In addition to eating a balanced, healthy diet, it is also recommended to limit the amount of sugary, processed foods and beverages, such as sugary coffee drinks, sodas and other coffee concoctions. Cutting back on sugary and processed foods and drinks can limit the risk of new or worsening dental circumstances as well as help maintain the health of a recently installed crown.
Precautions and Care
In the event that one perspires substantially or drinks something that is too hot after getting a crown, it is important to take extra precautions with one’s mouth. Ensure that the crown is firmly in place and not loose. If the crown slides out of place at all, the root of the tooth that it covers may be damaged. The damage can be more complicated and costly to fix than after the initial crown installation procedure.
It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol if possible as alcohol can cause further stress and damage to the inner gums and teeth, which would add to any already existing dental issues as well as hinder the healing process of the crown.
Role of Fluoride
Fluoride plays a huge role in the health of one’s teeth in general, but especially after getting a crown. The American Dental Association recommends using a fluoridated toothpaste, as well as using mouthwash and rinsing with fluoridated drinking water.
Those that have just had their teeth crowned should also ensure that they are scheduling regular cleanings with their dentist as well. Routine checkups can help prevent further damage to the teeth, ensure that the crown is firmly in place, and help catch any warning signs of potential dental problems that may arise from other factors.
Maintenance and Self Care
Aside from proper dieting and the use of fluoride-rich products, it is important to practice rigorous and consistent dental hygiene to preserve the life and health of the crown. Brushing carefully, after every meal and flossing to remove any lodged particles that brushing may have missed, is essential for practice.
Using a Waterpik can also aid in the removal of food particles that may be more difficult to reach with traditional brushes, and consuming food and beverages as close to body temperature as possible, will eliminate any excessive wear or damages that result from sudden hot or cold temperatures.
Finally, one must recognize when they are in need of a new crown and when it is necessary to replace the old one. It is important to listen to your dentist and what they suggest when it comes to Crown maintenance and replacement. Doing so will greatly reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Dental Care Alternatives
As with any dental procedure, there are alternatives to traditional methods of taking care of a crown. Various treatments, such as homeopathy and Ayurveda, have been used for centuries with great success in restoring, maintaining and preserving dental health.
Homeopathic treatments, for example, contain minute concentrations of active ingredients that are widely recognized to be safe and effective. On the other hand,Ayurveda uses medicinal plants and minerals to fight oral diseases and maintain overall dental health.
Although alternative treatments have been proven to be effective, they should always be used with great care and caution, as they are not as heavily monitored and tested as conventional medical treatments. In addition, one should always speak to a medical professional before beginning any sort of treatment, as they are best qualified to assess one’s needs and can help make decisions that are best for one’s individual circumstances.
Social and Mental Implications
Crowns are not only a physical representation of a person’s dental health, but often represent a part of their identity, as well. People invest a lot of care and effort into maintaining the health and beauty of their teeth, and the feeling of needing to replace a crown or get another procedure can be overwhelming.
Moreover, anxiety and feelings of social unease can arise as a result of missing teeth or dental damage, which can have a tremendous impact on overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Healthy habits have a direct influence on the mental health and stability of an individual, setting the stage for further healthy behaviour down the line. Understanding and initiating healthy habits and behaviours, such as reducing coffee and sugary drinks, as well as maintaining regular dental check ins, and following proper care techniques are all essential to maintaining your physical and mental health.
Resources Available
Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to those who are looking for answers or tips related to crown care and dental health.
Not only can individuals find such information on the internet, but there are also books and magazines dedicated to the subject. Local dental organizations, such as the American Dental Association, often offer handouts and brochures that contain information on how to properly care for teeth and crowns, as well.
In addition, both online and in-person support groups exist to provide mental health and social support, as well as resources, to individuals who are struggling with anxiety or self-esteem issues related to their dental health.
Though it may be a daunting prospect to discuss the topic of one’s dental health, it is essential to remember that we are all in this together, and that there is strength in numbers. Finding a supportive group of individuals with whom to share one’s experiences and learn from is often a great source of healing and aid in initiating positive change.
