How to Care for Your Fillings

Dental Fillings

Home care dental fillings are a great way to protect your teeth from further damage. Dental restorations, also known as tooth-colored fillings, help to restore the structure of the tooth and provide a protective layer that helps to keep out bacteria, which can lead to cavities, decay and tooth loss. Today’s fillings are more durable than ever before and can last years. Depending on the patient, how long they last depends on their oral hygiene and care. When it comes to home care dental fillings, proper maintenance is key in order to ensure they last as long as possible.

Dental Fillings Aftercare

In order to prevent decay from forming under or around the filling or other teeth, it is important to take certain steps. If you have natural teeth, you should treat dental filling as you would your natural teeth.

1. Cleaning Techniques

Brushing and flossing twice a day can keep your teeth and fillings strong and healthy. They are important for removing food debris, bacteria, and plaque that could cause damage over time.

Brushing and flossing are recommended after each meal and at bedtime. Cleaning your tongue and mouth with a tongue cleaner or a dental floss can help keep the back of your tongue and throat clean. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it less likely to decay. Fluoride is found in many types of toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride helps prevent cavities in children’s teeth.

2. Avoid Hard Foods

You can eat and chew as usual with the composite filling. Chewing hard foods like apples or carrots can also be damaging because they put extra strain on vulnerable fillings, so it’s a good idea to avoid them. Eating soft foods is best after having a filling put in as it helps speed up recovery and reduces pain when chewing.

Don’t bite into hard objects such as fingernails or bottle caps. Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth, so they should not be used.

You can prevent further tooth damage and decay by eating a well-balanced diet and limiting your intake of sugar-laden beverages.

3. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods

The filling material can contract or expand when the temperatures are too hot or too cold. This can change the filling’s shape, strength, and ability to adapt to changing environments. A sharp pain can be caused by the sensitivity around the filling, which can be caused by the extreme temperatures. If one wants to prevent this, they should avoid foods with extreme temperatures.

4. Avoid toothpaste and mouthwashes with alcohol

Toothpaste and mouthwashes with alcohol can stain fillings and even decrease their lifespan. It is recommended to use alcohol-free toothpaste and mouthwashes to avoid issues. To prevent sensitive teeth after a dental filling, consider using a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.

5. Regular Checkups

It’s recommended that you visit your dentist at least six months a year. Your dentist will look at your filling during your visit to make sure they are healthy and functional. If your filling is cracked or leaking, your dentist will need to replace it.