Tips To Care For Your New Filling

Lady practising oral hygiene

If you’ve recently had dental filling treatment to replace an old filling or a new filling due to a dental cavity, it is important that you look after it away from the dentist. Dental fillings can restore the form and functioning of your teeth, meaning you can eat and drink your favourite foods, with caution.

After dental filling treatment, you need to take special care of it in the short term. Immediately after treatment, you’ll likely experience some sensitivity until the filling settles within the tooth. Once settled, it is essential that you maintain a strong oral routine to get the best out of your filling and to avoid replacing it.

To get the best out of your new filling, follow the below tips to provide it with optimum care.

Watch What And How You Eat

Changing your diet does not mean transform your diet away from your favourite foods. The responsibility of your filling lies with you, and what and how you eat is an important step. Whilst you can continue to eat your favourite foods, you should consider gradually introducing softer foods in your diet, such as sweet potato, boiled vegetables, pasta and soup. Also, for the short-term, eat on the other side of your mouth, and avoid biting down on crunchy or chewy foods on top of the filling.

Brush And Floss Carefully

Initially, you need to be careful around the filling when you brush your teeth. Make sure you use a soft-bristle toothbrush, but whilst the filling is tender, brush around the filling rather than on top of it. This also goes for flossing. Gently floss around the area so you do not irritate the filling.

Consult Your Dentist

If you’re unsure of the best methods to look after your filling, or you simply need to ask questions about your filling, consult the dentist at the earliest opportunity. It is never easy to adapt to a new situation, and adapting your oral routine and lifestyle to look after your filling takes time. The dentist is always on hand to help.

Think Long Term

With a new dental filling, you must think long-term to get the best out of it and to avoid extensive treatment. This can be difficult initially, but, as mentioned above, it takes time. A filling can last for up to 15 years if you look after it. Eventually, it should not impact your mouth functioning, but getting used to the filling is the first step forward to adopt the long-term steps to preserve your smile and tooth health.

To Conclude…

If you’ve recently had a dental filling, it can be difficult to get used to it, and, initially, your filling can become dislodged easily if you neglect it. It is best to avoid crunchy and chewy foods around the filling for up to two weeks. If you experience some sensitivity, you will benefit from avoiding hot and cold foods, but this shouldn’t be an issue when the filling settles. To get the best out of your filling, follow these steps to minimize the risk of further treatment.

Are you showing signs of needing a dental filling? Alternatively, if you need support and advice for your dental filling contact our Chatswood dental team today and check yourself in for an appointment.

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