Getting a dental filling is one of the most common ways to treat a cavity and protect your teeth from further decay. While the procedure itself is simple and quick, proper care afterward is essential to ensure the filling lasts and your mouth stays healthy. Here are seven easy ways to take care of your teeth after getting a filling.
1. Take it slow after the procedure
Getting a filling requires your dentist to apply local anesthesia. This means that once the filling has been placed and the dentist has finished the procedure, your mouth may still feel numb. Make sure to give your teeth and gums time to recover and restore their feeling before eating solid foods. If you feel any discomfort, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease some of the sensitivity.
2. Avoid hard or sticky foods
Candy, nuts, or other hard and sticky foods may be delicious, but they can also damage your new filling or even remove it. Allow your filling to set for a few days before returning to your usual diet. For some fillings, such as silver fillings, it’s recommended to wait up to 24 hours before eating, just in case.
3. Watch for tooth sensitivity
It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure after getting a filling. This should improve within a week or two. If sensitivity lasts longer or becomes painful, contact your dentist. If you’re nearby, consider a local South Gate dental checkup to rule out bite issues. They may need to adjust your filling if it’s slightly too high or uneven.
4. Brush and floss gently
Maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine is crucial for both preserving your new filling and preventing the development of new cavities. However, it’s important to be gentle right after your filling has been placed. You don’t want to cause issues while trying to protect your teeth, after all. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep the area clean and prevent new decay from forming around the filling.
5. Eat a tooth-friendly diet
After receiving your filling, it’s essential to strengthen your teeth to aid in recovery. Calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens strengthen enamel, while crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots help clean teeth naturally.
This is also a great time to set some goals to drink more water. Not only will this keep you hydrated, but it will also encourage the production of healthy saliva that can wash away food debris and bacteria.4 Consider carrying a water bottle or making a reminder on your phone to stay on top of your water consumption throughout the day.
6. Avoid grinding your teeth
Do you grind your teeth at night? This common issue can have an impact on your new filling. It may cause it to wear down and need replacing, or it could cause the filling to be dislodged. Discuss a nightguard with your dentist to help reduce grinding during the night.
You may also want to consider a mouthguard if you play a sport or practice martial arts. High-impact hits could knock your filling out, requiring a replacement.
7. Follow your dentist’s instructions
Post-filling, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure the filling is staying in place and there are no complications. Make sure to follow all of your dentist’s directions when it comes to caring for your filling. This will help you keep your filling safe and secure for years to come and avoid replacements, especially if you’re concerned about dental filling costs.
If you ever notice cracks, chips, or sudden pain in a tooth that has a filling, schedule a visit with your dentist right away. Small issues can often be easily fixed if caught early, but ignoring them can lead to more significant problems, such as infection or tooth loss.
Taking good care of your fillings
Once they’re settled, you probably won’t even notice your fillings. However, that doesn’t mean that good oral care is unnecessary. Fillings can last a long time, but only with the proper attention and good upkeep. Follow these easy habits for a happier and more confident smile.
