While dental filling is a fairly minor dental procedure, people still worry about which foods they can eat or drink after the treatment.
And this concern isn’t unwarranted because aftercare instructions can vary depending on the type of filling you’ve had.
Still, there are certain general categories of foods that it’s better if you avoid to not deal with increased post-filling pain or sensitivity.
For some time (which only your dentist can tell you accurately), you’d have to stick to “neutral” foods that are not too hard, sweet, hot or cold. In this guide, you’ll learn more about things related to eating and drinking after fillings.
What Foods Should Not Be Eaten After Filling?
Depending on the type of filling you have, it may take some time to harden. Because of that, your dentist may advise against eating the following:
- Hard foods – These can include things like nuts (peanuts, almond, pistachios), candies, and ice, as they can cause pain.
- Crunchy foods – It’s also generally recommended that foods like carrots, potato chips, crackers, popcorns, cereals, etc., are avoided after a dental treatment.
- Chewy foods – While your dentist might tell you to chew from the other side of the mouth, they may still ask you to temporarily refrain from eating chewy foods like meats, thick breads or candies to lessen pain.
- Hot or cold foods – Ice-creams, hot soups, coffee or tea might cause sensitivity, so it’s better to not have these as well.
Sweet and sticky foods – Sticky foods can get stuck to your fillings, and sweets can also cause sensitivity. So, try not to eat things like caramel, gummy jellies, chewing gums, licorice, etc.
How Many Hours After A Filling Can I Eat Or Drink?
With resin fillings, you might be able to eat right after your treatment. But even so, make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.
If a local anaesthetic was used, they might ask you to wait for a couple of hours since you might accidentally bite your tongue or cheeks while trying to eat.
However, with amalgam or silver fillings, you might have to avoid eating from that side of the mouth for 24 hours.
That’s because resin fillings are hardened within the dentist’s office, but silver fillings can take longer to do the same.
The same might apply to drinking as well, but, again, make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.
Eating and Drinking Recommendations After Dental Treatment
After dental fillings, you should consider eating soft foods that are neither too hot or cold. These can include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Yoghurt
- Fish
- Banana
- Beans
- Soft vegetables
Also, avoid foods that are too chewy, sugary or sticky. And as far as the drinks are concerned, it’d be best if you stick to water for a while.
Keep in mind that if you drink something that’s too hot or cold, it’s going to cause sensitivity.
Other than water, however, you can also drink milk, clear coconut water or smoothie (not sweet).
Still, in any case, double-check everything with your dentist so it’s all in accordance with your post-fill recommendations.
Conclusion
While you may have certain food restrictions for a while after your dental filler treatment, keep in mind that it’s temporary and for your own good.
Also, the recommendations on what you can and cannot eat can vary between dentists, so make sure you do what your dentist asks you to.
If at any time you’re unsure (even if you had your dental filler in Turkey), get in touch with the Aftercare department, so they can give you necessary information.
Reviewed and approved by Dr Izbel Aksit