Getting new dental implants is exciting for people who’ve been wishing for a beautiful smile. They look and feel like natural teeth, all your pearly whites look even and straight, and they provide you with functionality as well as confidence. While all of these aspects are things to celebrate, you also have to be mindful about practical things in life, such as whether drinking coffee can have an impact on the implants.
DRINKING COFFEE RIGHT AFTER IMPLANTS
Right after you get your dental implants, you will have to modify meals to allow your gums enough time to heal from the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions as to what to do and for how long to do it. That said, there are several common denominators across the board.
You will be able to have a meal a couple of hours after the procedure. However, avoid hot drinks altogether, since they would interfere with your healing process. Therefore, hot coffee is temporarily out of the question. Do not try to get around this requirement by drinking it with a straw, since doing so could cause your gums to bleed.
DRINKING COFFEE LONG-TERM
Once your mouth has fully healed and you have the green light from your doctor to continue eating regular meals, you can go back to drinking hot coffee. That being said, be aware that the same way coffee and teas can stain natural teeth, they’ll do the same to dental implants, giving them an unflattering yellowish hue.
So, what can you do if you’re one of the millions of people who need their daily cup of joe to function? You may continue drinking coffee long-term, but there are two rules of thumb you’ll have to follow to protect your implants:
1. Drink your cup of coffee in one sitting
If you’re the type of person who likes to sip a huge cup throughout the day, keep in mind that such extended exposure increases the risk of staining. If you need more than one cup, have one at specific times of the day, such as in the morning, and right after lunch, instead of nursing your java for hours on end.
2. Brush your teeth right after drinking coffee
Not only will brushing and rinsing your teeth help keep the stains at bay, it also removes the acids left behind by coffee. And, if you like to drink it with cream and sugar, brushing will also remove those additional organisms that create plaque buildup.
3. Limit your intake to two cups a day
Coffee, in itself, can be good for your teeth, due to polyphenol – which are micronutrients that contain antioxidants. So, you get extra energy and some nutrition. However, limiting the amount of coffee you drink a day will lower the risk of staining your implants.
DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALISTS IN DALLAS
If you’re considering dental implants or have questions about how to best care for them, let us help you. We offer free consultations and use the highest grade of dental implants nationwide. We’ll match or beat competitor prices, and we provide a lifetime guarantee. For some procedures, you can leave with a brand new smile on the same day you visit.
Call FastNewSmile toll-free at (214) 521-5900 or contact us online today!