Dental Considerations
Root canals can be incredibly painful, and the idea of an iced drink post-procedure may seem an attractive prospect. But before you reach for the iced coffee, there are some considerations to think through.
The way you care for your teeth after a root canal will determine the long-term success of the procedure. Over-sugared, acidic and hot drinks may irritate the area around the root canal, weakening the crown and possibly leading to infection.
Dr. Bryan Burnham, a practicing endodontist for more than 20 years, has this advice for his patients: “Although iced coffee may seem more gentle on the teeth than hot drink, the truth is that iced coffee can still be damaging to your teeth, both when drinking it and afterwards,”
“Chilled coffee is also acidic, and that can erode enamel. It also means that bacteria, which is more often found in cold drinks, can easily reach sensitivity areas – which you definitely want to avoid after undergoing a root canal,”
This rings true according to Dr. Chris Kinser, a dentist and professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He says, “When coffee is served cold or iced, the fats, proteins and acid in the drink combine to slowly release, meaning they can bathe the mouth in potentially damaging acidity,”
The intense coldness of the ice is also a concern. It could irritate the temporary fillings and cause even more pain for the patient. Similarly, tightly sealed plastic drinking cups can push against the healing site, causing pain and discomfort.
Health Benefits
Another factor to consider is that coffee comes with boosts of caffeine. Following a root canal procedure, it is important to avoid items with a stimulant, as this could lead to a drop in saliva, which could in turn lead to a dry mouth. When the mouth becomes dry, it increases the risk of tooth decay. As the enamel is weakened, bacteria can penetrate and lead to infection.
It’s generally accepted that drinking too much coffee can weaken enamel, and that extends to iced coffee as well. The ice increases the rate at which people consume their coffee, as it takes away the time it would take for a cup of hot coffee to cool, allowing you to drink more and more. So, regardless of the temperature of the coffee, drinking too much can be dangerous for teeth
Dr. Sean S. Sim, of the 12th AF Dental Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, states that it is “very important for patients to avoid sugary, acidic, and hot drinks of any kind after a root canal treatment”
Alternatives
If coffee and cold drinks are off the table, what options are available? Lucky for coffee lovers and root canal patients, there are some alternatives. Non-acidic options like chamomile tea, rooibos tea, and oatmeal are all great options to aid in root canal healing. All three are packed with antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory properties
A great option with zero calories would be flavored sparkling water. Boiled tap water with a bit of lemon added also helps reduce any infections. Many experts suggest avoiding carbonated drinks as it can lead to a decrease in saliva, resulting in a dry mouth.
Strawberries and apples are good organic options for fighting bacteria and encouraging good oral health. Another natural sugar-free drink is aloe vera juice, which helps fight inflammation and reduce pain. Aloe vera juice is also rich in minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and its antioxidants have important restorative benefits
Dietary Habits
In order to benefit from the dental treatment, it is also important not only to avoid iced coffee, but also to pay attention to other dietary habits that can affect the healing process.
It is important to avoid dairy and cheese, as these can weaken the temporary fillings and increase inflammation. Also, pay attention to salt intake, as too much salt can mean the body retains liquid. This will lead to swelling and pain, and in some cases, can cause excessive bleeding. It is recommended that patients avoid spicy foods to reduce the pain levels.
Most importantly, have a good oral hygiene routine, both before and after a root canal procedure. It is important to brush and floss as normal to avoid an infection. Clearing away excess deposits on the teeth can help eliminate the build-up of plaque and bacteria.
Lifestyle Changes
Root canal procedures require the patient to be active in the process of healing. Aside from dietary habits, patients can take this time to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing the intake of caffeine and sugary products, which can be very detrimental to oral health.
In addition, Carbonated and alcoholic beverages should also be avoided, as they too can lead to decreased salivation, furthering the risk of decay and infection. Substitute these with healthy drinks such as water and juices, as these are essential to healthy teeth and gums.
Patients can also consider reducing or quitting smoking and tobacco consumption, as this causes oral diseases such as oral cancer. It also increases the risk of disease because it weakens the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.
Pain and Inflammation Reduction
Reducing inflammation and pain post-procedure is one of the most important aspects of recovery. After a root canal, patients should take steps to reduce any potential first signs of discomfort. This can be done through regular pain killers and antiseptic, however, if the pain persists it’s important to consult with dental professional.
Ibuprofen and aspirin are known to reduce inflammation and act as pain reliever. Additionally, the patient should stick to a soft foods diet, and avoid hard, crunchy and chewy foods that can cause pain and possibly damage the temporary fillings. This includes tough and crispy foods such as apples, carrots, nuts and raw vegetables, as these can damage the area.
Ginge tea is also a great natural solution as it is known as one of the best painkillers with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Turmeric is another natural solution as it can help reduce both the pain and swelling associated with root canals.
Risks and Warnings
Although just about any food or drink can be enjoyed in moderation, it is advisable to be mindful of the risks associated with consuming iced coffee after a root canal. The intense coldness of the iced coffee can worsen the sensitivity of the affected area and the acidic content of the coffee can damage the temporary fillings. In addition, coffeealso has the potential to increase the risk of decay.
Similarly, many of the alternatives that are commonly suggested are acidic in nature and they too can be damaging to the teeth and gums. So it is important to find a balanced approach when looking to replace iced coffee.
If you still feel it is necessary to drink iced coffee after a root canal, make sure the brewing process is done correctly and that more sugar is not added than necessary. Moderation is the key, and it is important to note that reducing or refraining from consuming iced coffee is the best option following a root canal treatment.
