Getting a cavity filled is a routine dental procedure that helps to restore and protect your teeth from further damage. However, the care you take after the procedure is just as important as the filling itself. Many patients make mistakes that can impact the healing process, cause discomfort, or even damage the filling. Knowing what to avoid can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly you recover.
In this article, we will discuss what not to do after getting a cavity filled, providing you with detailed guidelines to ensure your filling remains intact and your mouth heals properly.
The Immediate Post-Filling Period
What Happens Right After the Procedure?
When you leave the dentist’s office after a filling, your tooth will likely still be numb from the local anesthesia. This numbness can last for a few hours. During this time, your mouth might feel strange, and you may have difficulty judging the position of your tongue, lips, or cheeks. This is why being cautious during this period is crucial for preventing accidental injuries.
Don’t Eat Immediately
One of the first things not to do after getting a cavity filled is to eat right away. The local anesthetic will make it difficult for you to feel your mouth fully, which increases the risk of accidentally biting your tongue, lips, or the inside of your cheeks. Waiting until the numbness wears off will help avoid this discomfort and potential injury.
It’s also important to note that the filling itself needs time to set properly, particularly if you’ve had a composite (tooth-colored) filling. Eating too soon can cause the filling to shift or become dislodged.
Be Careful with What You Eat
Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods
For at least 24 hours after getting a filling, it’s best to avoid hard or chewy foods. Eating foods like nuts, candies, or ice can put undue pressure on the newly filled tooth, which can damage the filling or cause discomfort.
In the hours immediately following the procedure, your tooth might still be sensitive. Hard foods could aggravate this sensitivity and potentially damage the fresh filling, which needs time to harden and adapt to your bite.
Stay Away from Sticky Foods
Sticky foods, such as caramel, chewing gum, or toffees, can pull on your filling and cause it to become loose or even fall out. Particularly with composite fillings, which bond to your tooth, sticky substances can interfere with the setting process. Opt for softer, non-sticky foods that are easy to chew.
Don’t Drink Hot or Cold Beverages Right Away
Sensitivity to temperature changes is common after a cavity is filled. Hot coffee, tea, or soups, as well as ice-cold drinks, can cause sharp discomfort in the tooth that has been treated. In the first day or two after your procedure, it’s best to stick to room-temperature drinks to avoid discomfort.
Avoid Biting or Chewing with the Filled Tooth
Don’t Chew on the Side of the Filling
After getting a cavity filled, your dentist may recommend avoiding chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling is located for the first few days. This is particularly important if you have a larger filling or if it is located on a molar, which bears most of the force when chewing.
Chewing on the filled tooth immediately after the procedure may place too much pressure on the filling, causing it to crack, shift, or come loose. Let the tooth adjust to the filling by using the opposite side of your mouth when eating.
Don’t Test Your Bite Constantly
It’s natural to want to check how your new filling feels, but constantly testing your bite or grinding your teeth can cause strain on the tooth and the filling. Over time, this can lead to wear and tear, potentially reducing the longevity of the filling.
If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable, it’s better to consult your dentist rather than repeatedly trying to adjust it yourself by biting down.
Be Gentle with Your Teeth
Don’t Brush Too Hard
After a filling, your tooth may be sensitive, and the gum tissue around the area might be irritated. Brushing your teeth too hard can aggravate this sensitivity and cause more discomfort. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the affected area.
Overbrushing can also wear down the material of your filling, especially if you have a composite filling, which is not as durable as other materials like amalgam or gold.
Don’t Use Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
Some patients turn to mouthwash to clean the mouth thoroughly after getting a filling. However, using an alcohol-based mouthwash immediately after a filling is not a good idea. Alcohol can irritate the tooth and gum tissue, especially if the area is already sensitive. If you prefer to use mouthwash, opt for an alcohol-free version that is gentler on your mouth.
Avoid Bad Habits
Don’t Bite Your Nails or Chew on Objects
Many people have habits like biting their nails, chewing on pens, or using their teeth to open packages. These actions put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the teeth, especially on recently filled ones. The pressure can weaken or even crack the filling, particularly if it’s still in the initial setting phase.
Additionally, chewing on hard objects can lead to tooth fractures, which may require further dental work, such as crowns or even root canals. It’s important to avoid these habits, especially in the days following your filling.
Don’t Grind Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is harmful to your teeth and fillings alike. The force exerted by grinding your teeth can wear down fillings, making them more likely to crack or fail. If you know that you grind your teeth, especially during sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth and any new fillings.
Managing Post-Filling Discomfort
Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain
Some mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal after getting a cavity filled, especially when eating or drinking. This discomfort should gradually subside over the course of a few days. However, if you experience severe pain, sensitivity that worsens, or if your bite feels off after the numbness wears off, you should contact your dentist right away.
Ignoring persistent pain could indicate that the filling wasn’t placed properly, or that there may be underlying issues, such as nerve damage or an infection. Addressing these problems early can prevent further complications.
Don’t Avoid Follow-Up Appointments
If your dentist recommends a follow-up appointment after your filling, don’t skip it. This is especially important if you had a deep cavity or if the filling is particularly large. During the follow-up, your dentist will check that the filling is settling properly and that there are no signs of complications like infection or bite misalignment.
Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and ensuring that your fillings remain in good condition. Skipping these appointments could result in unnoticed issues that worsen over time.
Conclusion
After getting a cavity filled, it’s essential to be mindful of how you care for your teeth in the days that follow. Eating the wrong foods, brushing too aggressively, or engaging in harmful habits can compromise the integrity of your new filling.
Avoid eating until the numbness wears off, steer clear of hard, sticky, or temperature-sensitive foods, and be gentle with your teeth and gums. It’s also important to avoid biting or chewing on the filled tooth, especially right after the procedure. Practicing good oral hygiene and addressing any persistent discomfort will help your filling last longer and ensure a smooth recovery.
By knowing what not to do after a filling, you can protect your dental health and keep your smile strong for years to come.
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