After receiving a filling, your dentist might advise you to wait a few hours before eating. This is because swelling and sensitivity around the treated tooth, combined with the lingering effects of the anesthetic, can make chewing uncomfortable or difficult.
You might wonder, “Is it okay to eat right after getting a filling?” While the question seems simple, the answer depends largely on how quickly the filling material sets and hardens.
A few years ago, when dentists mainly used silver amalgam fillings to treat tooth decay, they advised patients to avoid eating on the treated side for 24 hours. This was because amalgam fillings take about a full day to fully harden. Eating or drinking too soon could risk chipping or damaging the filling, potentially leading to more serious issues like the need for a root canal if not addressed promptly.
Nowadays, with the growing emphasis on aesthetics, many patients choose white composite fillings instead of amalgam. Not only do these tooth-colored fillings look more natural, but they also harden much faster. This means you usually don’t have to wait long before eating after getting a composite filling.
Because composite fillings set quickly, it’s generally safe to eat and drink right after the procedure. However, swelling and soreness around the treated tooth can make chewing uncomfortable. For this reason, dentists usually recommend waiting at least two hours before eating or drinking following a composite filling.
Amalgam fillings require more time to fully harden, which is why dentists advise patients to avoid eating hard or sticky foods on the treated side. Putting pressure on the tooth before the filling has completely set can cause the restoration to crack or fail prematurely.
Following a cavity filling, it’s usually best to stick to a soft diet for 24 to 48 hours. This helps avoid putting too much pressure on the restored tooth while it heals. During this time, you can enjoy soft foods like scrambled eggs, porridge, crackers, or your favourite soups—anything gentle that doesn’t require much chewing.
You might believe that brushing your teeth should be avoided for a day or two after getting a filling, but this is not true. In fact, it’s perfectly fine—and even recommended—to continue brushing as usual after a tooth restoration. Just be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as harsh brushing can wear down both your teeth and the filling, potentially causing sensitivity and new cavities. Keeping up with regular brushing is essential to prevent cavities, especially after consuming sugary foods.
As a general guideline, it’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks right after getting a filling. Temperature extremes can cause the tooth or filling to expand or contract, which might lead to the restoration cracking or coming loose. So, you may need to hold off on that coffee or cold fizzy drink for a few hours after your dental visit.
Although smoking a few hours after getting a filling is generally okay, it’s important to think about the long-term impact smoking has on your overall and dental health. Smoking can stain your teeth, increase the risk of cavities, and is also associated with a higher chance of developing oral cancer.
It’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods right after getting a filling. Dentists usually recommend waiting at least 2 hours before eating or drinking anything. Even after that, try to steer clear of very hard or sticky foods—chewing something like chicken or beef pizza can put extra pressure on your teeth.
So, it might be wise to wait a few hours before indulging in your pizza cravings!
In short, if you’ve had a white tooth filling, waiting 2–3 hours before eating or drinking is a good rule of thumb. After that, you can return to your regular diet but be sure to chew gently and slowly for the next few days. Most importantly, avoid sugary and sticky foods, maintain good brushing habits, and your filling will last longer.
If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, feel free to book an appointment by calling 0121 289 2000 or scheduling online here.
.jpeg)
