People often ask this question, "How long after filling can I brush my teeth?" and their concerns are completely valid. It is crucial to follow proper post-care steps so that your newly placed filling can remain intact and your oral health is not compromised. Dental fillings are a common procedure, and while people can usually get through the process without any complications, it is the aftercare that matters the most. A significant part of the aftercare includes proper brushing.
In this guide, we will discuss efficient brushing methods after a filling, the wait time before brushing, and the proper strategies you ought to follow to keep your newly filled tooth protected. This straightforward yet critical information will help you maintain a healthy smile while leaving your fillings in good condition for years to come.
All About Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a standard procedure utilized in the treatment of cavities, which occur due to the destruction of the tooth's crown. The process of filling starts with the dentist getting rid of the affected part of the tooth and replacing it with a strong filling material that allows for the restoring of the tooth's shape and functionality. This procedure is crucial to avoid damaging or infecting the tooth further because not treating cavities can result in severe dental issues.
Every type of filling utilizes a different material, which has its own set of benefits.
Amalgam fillings resist strain best over time, so they are usually placed in posterior teeth where chewing forces are the maximum. Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and tin.
On the contrary, composite fillings have an aesthetic advantage as the blended tooth-coloured resin is virtually impossible to differentiate from natural teeth. Therefore, composite fillings are ideal for anterior teeth.
Gold fillings are also an option that offers strength and longevity at a lesser value, but they are not preferred for being visually obtrusive and expensive.
The choice of material for your filling largely depends on the location of the cavity and your personal preferences, as well as the dentist's recommendation. Although all these different types of fillings exist, they all share the same purpose, which is to help the tooth sustain wear and decay while improving the health of the mouth as a whole.
What Happens After a Dental Filling?
As your filling is placed, the dentist will briefly go over the aftercare steps. It is expected that you will experience some discomfort and sensitivity around the area that has been treated. These sensations are most likely present because the filled tooth is adjusting to the new filling, and the tissues surrounding the teeth are healing. In addition, the numbing agent from the procedure may cause some mild numbness in the area for a few hours. Therefore, care should be taken not to accidentally bite the tongue, cheek or lips during this time.
If the filled tooth has a metal filling, your bite may feel uncomfortable or different for a short while until it is smoothened out. It is better to get used to the sensation as it will become normal over time. In the case of composite fillings, the material hardens immediately under blue light, so you can typically eat and drink right away. Metal fillings take some time to harden. In that case, you need to wait for at least 24 hours before eating solid foods.
Even though the initial discomfort normally diminishes in a few days, it's vital to remember to take your time. The tooth may still be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks for a short period. Being mindful of the foods you consume during recovery time is essential so that the filling sets properly and no further irritation occurs.
How Long After Filling Can I Brush My Teeth?
After getting a dental filling, the most obvious question that pops up in people's minds is, when can they start brushing their teeth again? We understand that you want to return to your normal routine as soon as possible. But, sometimes, it's better to wait. This extra care not only ensures that your mouth heals properly, but most importantly, it helps the filling stay where it should be.
Your dentist uses a blue light to composite fillings, and they begin to harden right away. This means that after the procedure, you can go back to brushing your teeth after a fewer hours. However, don't forget to wait for the anesthesia to wear off. This is critical, because if you attempt to brush your teeth while your mouth is still numb, you can end up injuring your gums.
Brushing and flossing with amalgam fillings is different though. These fillings take time to set, and in order for the material to harden and bond with the tooth, it is recommended to wait 24 hours before filling.
Whatever type of filling you receive, always remember to wait for the numbing from the procedure to subside before brushing your teeth. Once numbness goes away, return to brushing while not putting too much force. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush as it helps to keep the area around the filling clean while making sure the filling is not damaged.
In case of any uncertainty, your dentist will give adapted advice based on the type of material used for your filling, as well as your particular healing progress. Sticking to these recommendations will assist you to defend the filling while preserving your oral hygiene.
Post Filling Brushing Methods
Once your dentist gives the go ahead, you can start brushing your teeth. However, ensure that you do this with a fair amount of caution. You might want to start your normal routine as soon as possible but it is very important to adopt the correct methods in the right order so as to ensure that there is minimal discomfort caused by the filled tooth.
Soft Bristled Toothbrush & Gentle Brushing
Start by grabbing a soft-bristled toothbrush. A toothbrush with soft bristles is ideal for the filled tooth and adjacent gums. Avoid using a medium or hard bristled brush as they tend to inflict too much force that might lead to irritation of the gums or damage the filling.
When brushing, be gentle. Many individuals are prone to scrubbing their teeth too hard, which can be especially detrimental in the area surrounding a newly filled cavity. Use your toothbrush in light circular movements to cover all of your teeth, and remember to refrain from vigorous back-and-forth motions, as these can irritate the area or interfere with the bond between the filling and the tooth. Take special effort to brush around the filling, but avoid using too much pressure.
Use a Non-Abrasive Fluoride Toothpaste
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Standard toothpaste comes with abrasive particles that can eventually damage your filling and the natural enamel of your teeth over time. Use gentle fluoride toothpaste that will not harm your fillings while still cleaning them and preventing plaque build-up.
It is important to be gentle at the gumline and not scrub hard at the newly filled area. As your mouth heals, you will be able to go back to your normal brushing routine. But during the time immediately following the filling, being careful with your brushing is the best way to make sure the filling lasts as long as possible.
Other Aftercare Tips for Dental Fillings
Brushing is only one part of caring for your mouth after receiving a filling. As you try to heal and get the most out of the filling, there are a few more care tips that will accompany brushing and help to maximize your recovery. Even though these tips are simple, they can have a major impact on your oral health and the speed of your recovery.
Flossing
To begin with, flossing is equally as important as brushing when it comes to dental care. After a filling, patients may feel uneasy about flossing around the treated area, but doing so is necessary. When flossing around the new filling, be careful because pulling too hard might remove the filling or cause damage to it. Use a slow, sliding motion to avoid snapping the floss.
Dietary Precautions
Another important part of aftercare is the restriction of certain foods after getting a filling. Chewy, hard, or sticky foods can cause extra stress on the newly filled tooth and can create discomfort and damage. These include candies, tough meats, caramel, and hard nuts. The best foods after filling are soft foods such as yoghurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and smoothies, which do not make healing worse.
Handle Issues Wisely
Generally, it is pretty common to feel some pain after the filling, especially with food and drinks that are either too hot or cold. To ease the pain, it is advisable to take in lukewarm or room-temperature foods and drinks for some days. If the pain or sensitivity becomes unbearable, methods like ibuprofen or acetaminophen pain and relief medicine can be used. It is wise to contact your dentist, though, if that sensitivity persists after a few days.
When to Contact Your Dentist?
It is okay to feel some subtle discomfort and soreness after receiving a dental filling, as it is part of the process. But, if the discomfort and pain do not subside after a few days, or if it becomes even more painful, it is very possible that there is something wrong either with the filling or the tooth. If you experience sharp pain or persistent pain like throbbing, some underlying issues might be present, like infection or a wrongly placed filling.
Another reason to contact your dentist would be if you start noticing that the filling is uneven or high when you bite down. Having a high filling can be bothersome, and if not dealt with it can lead to additional problems. If you notice that the filling is loose, has a crack or has fallen out, it is necessary to schedule an appointment right away to avoid further complications or the chances of having an infection.
You should also try to make an appointment with your dentist if you have any of the symptoms that suggest an infection, like swelling, pus, or a fever. These signs could mean that some bacteria have already accessed the tooth and need immediate attention. Staying in touch with your dentist regularly will help you take care of the fillings and the adjacent teeth, too.
Long-Term Care for Fillings
While taking care of your dental filling in the first few days is important, being able to manage your dental hygiene afterwards is just as essential. Having a routine and implementing better habits go a long way in maintaining the integrity of your fillings and protecting your overall dental health.
Above all, having a good oral hygiene regimen is important. Using an electric toothbrush at least two times every day, together with flossing every day, forms the foundation for a clean mouth. A soft bristle toothbrush can be used to clean fillings without damaging them. Regular flossing also assists in the removal of plaque and bits of food that are stuck between teeth, which even a toothbrush sometimes does not reach. Antibacterial mouthwash can also be used to fight plaque and give a fresh feeling to the mouth.
Apart from cleaning and flossing, regular dental visits are vital for the preservation of your fillings. Professional cleaning and check-ups are advised every six months. During these appointments, your dentist can help you forecast issues such as a broken filling or cavities forming where the filling is. These appointments in the long run protect your fillings and make sure your oral hygiene is up to standard.
The Bottom Line
Caring for your dental fillings does not have to be overly complex. Simple steps and proper follow-up practices will help make sure that your fillings last long and your teeth stay healthy.
While looking after your fillings, remember that there are products available that can help you do so more efficiently. One such product is the Oclean Ease Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. This toothbrush incorporates soft bristles that are specially made to not irritate or damage sensitive teeth or fillings. The toothbrush also has advanced features that ensure complete cleaning of the mouth by getting rid of plaque and food particles.
Dental care is a broad field, and choosing the right toothbrush can have a substantial impact, so the next time you look for a optimal oral health, consider investing in an Oclean Ease Electric Toothbrush.