If you have tooth decay, fillings are the best way to restore the cavity and preserve your smile. When applied by a skilled dentist, filling material should stay secure and last for several years. However, it’s also important to practice proper oral health to ensure your tooth remains healthy. To help you get the most out of your dental care, here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow when it comes to caring for fillings.  

Do:

Practice routine oral hygiene.

Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove plaque and food debris that contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay — problems that can cause a filling to come loose. For added protection, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill cavity-causing oral bacteria.

Minimize sugar intake.

Whenever you consume sugary foods or drinks, oral bacteria will digest the matter and produce enamel-destroying acids in the process. To keep your filled teeth intact, avoid these products as much as possible. Instead, opt for foods and drinks that help support healthy and strong teeth, such as vegetables, dairy, and water.

Keep up with routine dental visits.

Every six months, you should visit your dentist for a routine check-up. During these visits, your provider will remove hard-to-clean plaque and tartar, as well as check for oral health problems that may put your filling in jeopardy. They will also be able to detect and fix loose fillings early on to prevent bigger problems in the future.

Don’t:

Chew hard or sticky foods.

Hard and sticky foods can damage the artificial material that your filling is made of — especially if they’re consumed in the days immediately following treatment. If disturbed, eating these items can cause the filling to dislodge. If you do eat these foods, try to chew them on a different side of your mouth.

Grind your teeth.

Nighttime teeth grinding — a condition known as bruxism — can cause gradual enamel wear and damage fillings. If you have this condition, ask your dentist about a custom mouth guard that can protect your smile while you sleep.

Smoke cigarettes.

Apart from increasing the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, smoking cigarettes is associated with a higher rate of filling failure. To avoid trouble, consider asking a doctor about how you can quit smoking.

If you have a cavity, Helmbrecht Dental offers both amalgam and composite fillings to help restore your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. These Fairbanks, AK -based dentists are also equipped to replace old or damaged fillings. Whatever treatment you need, this team will use specialized tools and techniques to make sure your care is as gentle and stress-free as possible. To learn more about their preventive and restorative dentistry services, visit the clinic online. To schedule an appointment today, call (907) 456-1237.