Composite fillings are a common treatment for filling cavities and addressing tooth decay. These treatments often use tooth-colored, durable materials that can last for several years, but only if the filling is taken care of properly. It is important to avoid eating certain foods after getting a filling in order to protect the procedure and improve recovery time.
Even though fillings are made to withstand the wear and tear of pressure and biting with eating, these materials are susceptible to damage. Fillings should last for at least five years, but this is impacted by the oral hygiene habits, where the filling is located, excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth, and dietary choices. With diet, food choices can have a long-term impact on fillings, though in the days following a filling procedure, the damage may be more immediate.
In years past, patients often had to wait at least 24 hours for a traditional amalgam filling to harden. Patients were cautioned to minimize eating and drinking for that period of time to prevent fracturing or chipping the restoration. With composite fillings, patients can expect the hardening to occur much sooner. However, given the conditions of the procedure, such as where the filling was placed or if any numbing agents were used, there may be dietary restrictions recommended by the dentist.
In the first few hours after having a filling put in, the lips and tongue could still be numb from the procedure. If so, it can be very easy to burn your tongue or lips with materials that are too hot. It is also easier to mistakenly bite the tongue while the numbness wears off. There are several other reasons why certain foods should be avoided as well.
Avoid drinking or eating anything that is hot and limit the diet to soft foods. There may be sensitivity near the site of the filling and soreness, which should also be considered when choosing between soft or hard foods. The tooth composition has changed with the filling, and it will take several hours or up to a day or more to adapt. Foods or liquids that are too hot or cold can also impact the bonding agent if the filling expands and contracts with the drastic temperature changes.
Even though the filling should be hardened when leaving the dental office, biting on foods that are too hard could fracture the filling. Chewy foods can get stuck in the teeth, potentially weakening the filling when it is fresh.
It is advisable to stay away from chewing gum or sticky foods after a filling is placed. Chewing gum could potentially alter the fit of a filling, leading to a repeat or corrective procedure down the road.
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Composite fillings are an effective and aesthetically beneficial way to prevent further tooth decay when cavities, cracks, or fractures have occurred in a tooth. Speak to a dentist about a suitable diet following a filling procedure.
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