After getting fillings, your dentist may ask you to restrain eating anything for some time. There are specific instructions you must follow after getting dental fillings. You can find it difficult to chew some foods or experience stinging pain in the operated area.

Here we are sharing some tips for eating after getting your dental fillings.

How Long After Fillings Should You Eat?

Your fillings need to be set for a given amount of time. Any disturbance before this time may disrupt the shape of your fillings.

Dentists recommend waiting 24 hours before eating with amalgam fillings (silver fillings), as they take longer to set. This is why dentists advise avoiding hard and sticky foods from the side where you have fillings. Applying pressure on the restored tooth can cause it to be fractured or cracked.

Composite fillings harden immediately after the dentist puts the tooth under UV light. You can wait for 2 hours to eat after getting your fillings. Pain and swelling can last longer, but no damage will be caused to the filling after it has been set.

Best Foods To Eat After Fillings

Following a soft food diet after getting dental fillings is a good idea. The foods best after getting dental fillings are:

Cooked Vegetables: Mashed potatoes, soft-cooked carrots, chopped spinach, well-cooked broccoli, and cauliflower florets take minimal effort to chew and are easy to swallow.
Fruits: Applesauce, bananas, avocado, ripe peaches, cooked pears, and puréed fruits are nutrient-dense and delicious.
Eggs: You can have cooked whole eggs, scrambled eggs, or poached eggs for breakfast while following this diet.
Dairy Products: Cottage cheese, yogurt, soft cheeses, yogurt, etc., strengthen your teeth. Lower-fat dairy products are recommended for people watching their calorie intake.
Grains & Starches: Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cooked cereals like cream of wheat, oatmeal and moistened pancakes, soft noodles, etc., are filling and easy to swallow. Rice porridge with vegetables and protein makes an excellent, tasty, filling meal.
Protein: Ground moistened chicken, soft tuna, baked or broiled fish, soft meatballs, etc., are the best options for daily protein requirements.
Soups: Puréed or broth-based soups made with vegetables and bones are nutrient-rich and homely meals. Warm the soup to a comfortable temperature to relieve tooth pain and swelling.
Drinks: Water, protein shakes, fruit juices, and smoothies are filled with vitamins and make great breakfast and snack options.

Foods To Avoid After Fillings

There is a concise list of foods and drinks you should avoid after getting tooth fillings:

Hard Foods: Hard foods like ice, nuts, candy, and nuts can hurt your teeth if you chew them too quickly. Biting hard foods can also cause a new silver filling that hasn't had time to fall out.
Sticky Foods: Eating sticky foods too soon after a filling can misplace your new filling. This is more likely with amalgam fillings than composite fillings.
Sugary Foods: Sugary foods and drinks can trigger sensitivity. They can also promote the growth of bacteria around your new filling.
Colored Foods: Store-bought juices, energy drinks, and red wine stain the fillings and make your tooth look odd. Their acidity also wears down the enamel layer and weakens your teeth.
Extreme Temperature Food & Beverages: Eating or drinking foods and drinks at moderate temperatures gives you a better chance of not triggering sensitivities.

Tips For Eating After Fillings

Although dental fillings are designed to last forever, they can wear down faster if not properly cared for. Here are some tips for eating after getting your dental fillings:

Bite and chew carefully: Your jaw can exert significant pressure when biting, so biting down hard following a filling can result in pain. Consider biting some of the ways through your food and chewing carefully on the opposite side of the new filling.
Avoid sticky foods: Eating sticky foods, like candy, after a filling can dislodge your new filling. This only happens sometimes and is more likely with amalgam fillings than composite fillings.
Take your time: Eating slowly can avoid biting down too hard and chewing on the side of your mouth where your new filling is located.
Chew with your mouth closed: Keeping your mouth closed lowers the chance of cold air entering your mouth. Even cold air can trigger discomfort if your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold.

The Bottom Line

Being mindful of your food is always right, especially after dental fillings. The dental filling you get determines how long you should go without eating. Consult your dentist for the best food during this time and how to take care of your fillings better.

September 14, 2023
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