If you’ve been struggling to keep up a thorough teeth cleaning routine, you’re more likely to develop cavities that require tooth fillings to repair. Composite fillings are a simple, effective way to restore your tooth while stopping cavity growth, but how you care for your tooth fillings after they’re installed will determine how well and for how long they protect your teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

Caring for Your Teeth After Fillings

When you leave the dentist’s office, you’ll still be under the effects of local anesthetic or (if needed) sedation, so arrange your transportation home in advance. Afterward, you may experience slight discomfort for up to two weeks, which can be eased with OTC pain relievers.

Composite fillings harden right away with the use of a special light, so you can eat and drink normally after the effects of the numbing agent are gone. However, you should avoid biting or chewing on overly hard foods and objects. This includes hard candy like jawbreakers, as well as chewing on pens or using your teeth to cut or tear objects. 

Preventing Future Cavities

Even if you feel like your dental care routine is sufficient, stepping it up will lower your risk for needing future tooth fillings, give you fresher breath, and keep your smile bright. Attend regular teeth cleaning appointments as often as recommended by your dentist, as they allow them to detect problems early on. If you don’t already, floss at least twice daily to prevent cavities from developing between your teeth, and brush with fluoride toothpaste.

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks directly contribute to plaque and cavity formation, so limit or avoid them in your diet. If you notice any changes or problems in your dental health between appointments — such as cracks in your tooth fillings, yellowing of your teeth, or damage to your dental implants — alert your dentist right away.

At Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT, you’ll receive a high level of care from a compassionate team of dentists. The team provides a variety of dental services, including tooth fillings, dental implants, and routine teeth cleaning and imaging. They specialize in sedation dentistry for nervous patients, and they offer extended hours that include every other Saturday and late nights on Tuesdays. Learn more about their procedures and care online, and call (860) 447-2235 to schedule a consultation.