Do's and Don'ts After Dental Fillings

Do be careful about eating after a dental filling.

You might want to be cautious about what you eat right after the filling procedure depending on the type of filling that was used. You can eat and drink right away after the procedure because composite white fillings instantly harden when exposed to the blue light your dentist uses.

Some options for good foods to eat following a tooth filling include soup, scrambled eggs and crackers. Look for food that requires minimal chewing.

On the other hand, if there is pain and swelling, wait until it decreases before eating.

Metal dental fillings take a bit of time to harden, so most dentists will recommend waiting at least 24 hours after receiving the dental filling to eat any solid foods.

To avoid biting your lips, cheek, or tongue, you will likely want to wait until the local anesthetic wears off before attempting to eat. Ask your dentist for advice about when is the best time to eat after your filling.

Don't eat sticky, hard or chewy foods for up to two weeks.

For a few days after getting a dental filling, you might want to avoid foods and beverages that are hot or cold. For up to two weeks, it's best to avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy. Anything that will make you take large, chomp-inducing bites, like meat, is probably off-limits.

You’ll also want to avoid highly acidic foods to prevent infection.

Do take over-the-counter painkillers if you notice pain, discomfort or tooth sensitivity after a filling.

Following the filling, you might experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Usually, within 12 hours, you should notice a reduction in the pain and swelling, and you should be able to eat whatever you want without experiencing tooth sensitivity or irritation nearby.

Take over-the-counter painkillers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate any physical pain or discomfort after a dental filling.

In the event, pain, sensitivity or discomfort do not disappear after 24 hours, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to check on your filling, to ensure that infection is not developing.

Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.

Did you know you don't have to wait after a dental filling to brush or floss your teeth? You should be able to keep the area clean as usual if you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth.

Do contact your dentist if you experience a persistent toothache

While you may experience some mild pain or discomfort, a persistent sharp or throbbing toothache can indicate that the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. You might need a root canal. Contact your dentist right away so that they can take care of it.