Dental fillings are among the most common dental procedures performed across Australia. After receiving a filling, many patients wonder about when and what they can safely eat. This guide explores the do’s and don’ts of eating after getting dental fillings.
Understanding Different Types of Dental Fillings
Different filling materials have different post-procedure dietary restrictions.
Traditional amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals and take approximately 24 hours to fully set. They’re vulnerable to damage from hard foods during this setting period but quite durable once hardened.
Composite fillings, made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles, set immediately when cured with a special blue light. This allows for eating in most cases right after the procedure.
Glass ionomer fillings are set immediately through a chemical reaction but are less resistant to pressure than other types.
Laboratory-created restorations like gold or porcelain inlays/onlays are completely hardened before placement, allowing for normal eating once the anaesthetic wears off.
Immediate Post-Filling Considerations
The local anaesthetic used during your filling procedure will typically cause numbness that lasts 1-3 hours. During this period, avoid eating if possible, as you may accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip without realising it.
Avoid hot beverages or foods, as you may burn yourself without feeling it. Stay away from chewy or sticky items that could pull at your new filling.
Many dentists recommend waiting until all sensation has returned before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Timing: When Can You Safely Eat?
With modern light-cured composite fillings, you can technically eat immediately after leaving the dental office. However, most dentists recommend waiting until the anaesthetic wears off, starting with softer foods, and avoiding direct chewing on the filled tooth for a few hours.
Traditional amalgam fillings require more caution. Wait at least 1-2 hours before eating soft foods, avoid chewing directly on the filled tooth for 24 hours, and steer clear of hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for at least 24 hours.
Food Recommendations After Fillings
Safe foods following a dental filling include: lukewarm soup, yoghurt, custard, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, soft bread, steamed vegetables, smoothies (eaten with a spoon), soft fruits, and tender fish or minced meats.
Temporarily avoid: hard foods (nuts, hard lollies, ice), chewy foods (caramel, toffee), sticky foods (gummy lollies, peanut butter), very hot or cold items that might cause sensitivity, crunchy foods (chips, crackers), tough meats, popcorn, and spicy or acidic foods.
Managing Common Post-Filling Issues
Tooth sensitivity after a filling is common and usually temporary. To manage this, avoid temperature extremes in foods and beverages, consider using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended by your dentist. This sensitivity management is similar to after wisdom teeth treatment.
Sometimes a filling may feel too high, creating an uneven bite. If this persists after the anaesthetic wears off, contact your dentist for an adjustment.
Long-Term Dietary Considerations
Tooth-coloured composite fillings can stain over time. Consider limiting staining agents like red wine, coffee, tea, tomato-based sauces, berries, soy sauce, and curry.
To extend the life of your fillings, use caution with items that may cause damage: hard lollies or ice, popcorn kernels, very sticky foods, and using your teeth as tools.
Special Considerations for Different Filling Locations
Fillings in front teeth are typically composite for aesthetic reasons. These may be more vulnerable to pressure from biting directly into foods.
Fillings in molars bear the brunt of chewing forces. These require special attention to avoid hard foods initially and may cause more sensitivity due to their proximity to the nerve.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dentist if you experience: severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications, a loose or fallen out filling, sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheek, persistent sensitivity lasting more than two weeks, visible damage, or difficulty chewing due to bite alignment issues.
Maintaining Your New Filling
Continue regular brushing and flossing, being gentle around new fillings. Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor your fillings, and consider a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Conclusion
While receiving a dental filling may temporarily alter your eating habits, most restrictions are short-lived. By following these guidelines and your dentist’s specific advice, you can protect your new dental work while ensuring a quick return to normal eating.
Remember that each dental situation is unique, and these recommendations should be considered alongside the specific instructions provided by your family dentist.
