What To Eat After A Filling | Yorkshire Dental Suite

If you are interested in having a tooth filling, or have had a filling and are currently experiencing sensitivity, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite to discuss your treatment.

To protect the integrity of your new dental restoration (and minimise the risk of injury), knowing what to eat after a filling is essential. The following guide outlines suitable food choices that help to support a smooth healing process in the hours and days following the procedure.

How soon can you eat after a filling?

The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite recommend waiting 2 - 3 hours before eating. During this time your mouth is numb from the anaesthetic, and the filling material is still setting. If you attempt to eat, you may accidentally bite your tongue or cheek. There is also a risk of scalding yourself if you are consuming something hot.

Composite fillings set quicker than amalgam (silver) fillings, typically within a few hours. In comparison, it can take up to 24 hours for an amalgam filling to set. Follow the specific aftercare instructions set out by your dentist to ensure your tooth restoration successfully heals.

Best foods to eat after dental fillings

For the first 24 - 48 hours following your treatment, try to stick to a nutritious, soft foods diet only. Why? Well, this prevents excessive pressure being placed upon the filling. It also reduces sensitivity as your tooth recovers.

Suitable foods include:

Scrambled eggs
Soups and broths
Mashed potatoes
Yoghurt
Tofu
Fish
Baked beans
Cheese
Porridge and oatmeal
Smoothies
Pasta
Jelly
Soft bread (no crusts)
Soft-cooked vegetables
Shredded chicken

In need of some meal inspiration? Here are some easy ideas:

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Scrambled eggs on lightly toasted bread	A jacket potato topped with cheese and baked beans	Vegetable dumplings served with non-spicy noodles and a boiled egg
Porridge with banana slices	Lightly toasted bagel with cottage cheese and smoked salmon	Baked lemon and herb cod, roasted potatoes, broccoli and asparagus
Breakfast burritos with eggs, tomato and cheese	Vegetable soup with a slice or two of buttered bread	Tomato chicken pasta bake
Pancakes with your choice of fruits	Tofu in a peanut butter sauce, lettuce wraps and rice	Lasagne (your choice of meat/meat alternative) and a side salad
Avocado on lightly toasted bread, accompanied by a smoothie	Butternut squash risotto and homemade focaccia	Coconut curry with rice and naan bread

Eating after a dental filling: Foods to avoid

Sticky, hard and chewy foods should be avoided in the first two days post-filling. Bites that require force, or foods that require a lot of chewing, pose a risk of damage to your dental restoration.

In addition to this, we advise cutting out fizzy drinks, fruit juices and citrus fruits while you recover to avoid irritating the filled tooth. Spicy foods are also known to cause discomfort.

Did you know? Very cold food and drinks, like ice cream, cause your enamel to contract. Comparatively, very hot food and drinks cause it to expand. These actions place pressure on the filling, which may cause pain as a result.

Eating after a tooth filling doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. However, if you have a medical condition that requires a specific diet, please consult with your dentist or doctor before making any changes.

Not suitable foods include:

Nuts
Popcorn
Ice
Hard sweets
Chewing gum
Raw vegetables, for example, carrots
Steak
Alcohol
Tough breads
Tea and coffee

It is also imperative that you do not smoke. Tobacco affects the adhesion of the filling to the tooth. It also weakens the enamel and tissues surrounding the tooth, significantly enhancing the chance of a failed dental filling.

Dos and don’ts of dental filling aftercare

Slight diet modifications are not the only thing you can do to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some general tips that will help you to enjoy the full lifespan of this dental treatment.

Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue to clean your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and high-quality toothbrush. Floss daily too. This lessens the risk of gum disease and decay.
Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth: This may damage or dislodge the filling (in rare cases). If you do either, wear a mouth guard or contact your dentist for advice on how to stop.
Be mindful of how you eat (temporary): One of the best chewing tips after a filling we can give you is to chew slowly - this helps to minimise the force placed onto the restoration. Chew on the other side of the mouth too.
Schedule regular dental check-ups: Your dentist will be able to check your filling is in good condition and identify any problems (if present). In addition to this, try to visit your hygienist twice a year for a deep clean.
Do not use your teeth as tools: Tearing labels from clothes, opening packages, biting your nails - depending on where the filling is in the mouth, these habits have the ability to damage your filling.

Is your filling causing discomfort? This can be managed with your usual over-the-counter pain medication and sensitive toothpaste. If the discomfort persists however, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

Fillings are a potentially life-changing treatment. If you think your tooth is in need of treatment, your filling is causing you problems or you need a replacement, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today.