How to Take Care of Tooth Fillings

Dental fillings are intended to restore shape, function and aesthetics to teeth that are decayed or damaged for any reason. After filling, you must have special care both in the short and long term. Proper oral health care can reduce the risk of tooth decay and prevent damage to the filling.

Table of Contents

Newly filled tooth care

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Understand the time it takes for the filling to harden. There are many types of fillings and each requires a different setting time. If you know this time, you will understand how long you have to take special care of your teeth to avoid damaging the new filling.

Fillings with gold, amalgam or composite materials require a curing time of about 24-48 hours. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Porcelain fillings will cure instantly provided it is illuminated by a dental blue LED. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Ionomer glass can cure within 3 hours but takes up to 48 hours to fully harden. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Take pain relievers if needed. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever before the anesthetic wears off, and continue to take it until the filling subsides. In addition to pain relief, the drug also reduces swelling. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Ask your dentist about taking pain relievers to reduce post-surgery sensitivity. Follow the instructions on the package or your dentist about taking pain relievers after fillings. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Usually the sensitivity at the filling site will subside within a week. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Do not eat or drink until the anesthetic wears off. Your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the filling has been filled because you will have to use local anesthetic during the procedure. If possible, avoid eating or drinking until the anesthetic wears off so you don’t hurt yourself. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Because the mouth is still numb, if you eat it, you will not feel the heat of the food, or bite the inside of your cheek or tongue without knowing it. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
If you really need to eat or drink, you should choose soft foods such as yogurt, porridge, and drink only filtered water. Try to chew on the side of the mouth without the filling to be sure not to damage the filling or bite the cheek. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold. Teeth and fillings may remain sensitive for several days after the procedure. Therefore, you should avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold to avoid pain and also to avoid damaging the new filling. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Too hot or too cold both have an adverse effect on the bonding of the filling. Composite materials are usually adhered to the teeth when filling, the minimum bonding time is 24 hours, so you should eat warm food/drink during this time.
Hot or cold foods and drinks cause the filling material to expand and contract, especially if it’s metal. This phenomenon changes the adhesion, shape and strength of the material, causing cracks or leaks in the filling. ^{[11] X Research Source}
Remember to cool hot foods like soups or baked goods, and hot drinks like coffee and tea before serving.

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Avoid hard, chewy or sticky foods. You must avoid these foods for a few days after filling. Candies, cakes and raw vegetables can cause trouble, even pulling the filling. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Hard foods can crack the filling or crack the whole tooth, while sticky foods will stick to the surface of the newly filled tooth for a long time, and make the tooth more susceptible to decay.
Food stuck between teeth will weaken the filling and create a higher risk of tooth decay. To avoid this you should rinse your mouth after eating and use a fluorinated mouthwash after brushing and flossing.

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Chew on the side of the mouth opposite the filling. For the first day or two you must chew on the side of your mouth opposite the filling, to make sure it is completely hard and to prevent damage. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Check for high points on the filling. When a dentist “fills” a tooth, they are likely putting too much material in the position. So try to find out if there are any raised points by biting lightly. Notify your dentist if you find a raised point to prevent future cracking or pain.

A raised point on the filling can prevent you from closing your mouth or chewing properly. They also cause problems such as pain, inability to chew on the side of the mouth with fillings, cracked fillings, ear pain, or a clicking sound in the jaw joint. ^{[14] X Research Source}^{[15] X Research Source}

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Contact your dentist if you have any problems. You must contact your dentist when there is a problem with your tooth, mouth or filling, to make sure there is no underlying cause and to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Watch for the following symptoms and let your dentist know if they occur:
Sensitivity in the filled tooth ^{[16] X Research Source}
Cracked filling ^{[17] X Research source}
Fillings that have fallen out or partially chipped ^{[18] X Research Source}
Discolored teeth or fillings ^{[19] X Research source}
Notice how the filling is wobbly, and that water may seep through the rim around it when you drink the water. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Caring for fillings every day

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Brush and floss your teeth every day, including after each meal. This habit helps you maintain the health of your gums and fillings, in addition, a clean oral environment also limits the possibility of future fillings, as well as unsightly stains.

Remember to brush and floss after each meal if possible. Plaque on teeth creates a favorable environment for tooth decay to develop and destroy existing fillings. If a toothbrush is not available, you should chew gum instead. ^{[21] X Trusted Source American Dental Association Go to Source}
Coffee, tea, and alcohol can stain fillings and teeth. If you use these drinks, you should brush your teeth afterwards to keep your oral cavity clean.
Smoking also causes yellowing of teeth and fillings.

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Control your consumption of sugary and acidic foods or drinks. These foods contribute to the need for fillings, and by limiting their consumption you can improve your oral health. Tooth decay easily occurs underneath an existing filling. Over time fillings will slowly weaken and leak, so it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and good hygiene to prevent cavities beneath the filling. Brushing your teeth after eating is a good measure to prevent future fillings. ^{[22] X Research Source}

If you can’t brush your teeth because you’re at school, you should rinse your mouth. Drink more water, limit snacking and don’t eat sticky foods.
Learning to eat a healthy and balanced diet, including low-fat protein, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, this way of eating promotes general health and oral health.
Some healthy foods also contain acids, including citrus fruits. You can still eat this fruit, but limit it and remember to brush your teeth after eating. Consider diluting their juice with water in a 50/50 ratio.
Examples of foods that contain both sugar and acids are soft drinks, candy, and alcohol. Sports drinks, energy drinks and coffee with sugar should also be limited.

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Use fluorine-containing gels. If you have a lot of fillings, ask your dentist to prescribe a gel or toothpaste containing fluorine. Fluorine helps protect teeth from decay and improves overall oral health. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Fluorine-containing gels or toothpastes also strengthen enamel, prolonging the life of fillings.

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Avoid using mouthwash and toothpaste that contain alcohol. These products reduce the durability of fillings or cause them to yellow. Use an alcohol-free tinted toothpaste or mouthwash to avoid that. ^{[24] X Research Sources}

You can find alcohol-free toothpaste and mouthwash at supermarkets, drugstores, or online.

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Do not grind your teeth. Many people have a habit of grinding their teeth at night, leading to damage to their teeth or fillings. If this is the case, you should consult your dentist about using a mouthguard. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

The habit of grinding teeth wears down the filling, causing sensitivity, chipping or cracking in the filling. ^{[26] X Research Source}
Biting your nails, opening bottles or holding objects with your teeth are also bad habits. Try to avoid these habits so you don’t damage your teeth or fillings.

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Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at the dental clinic. This is an integral part of maintaining oral health. You should check your teeth at least twice a year, or more often if you have problems with your teeth or fillings. ^{[27] X Research Source}

Advice

Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining dental health.

Steps

Newly filled tooth care

Caring for fillings every day

Advice

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