What Not to Eat After a Tooth Filling & Safe Food Choices

A tooth filling helps restore a damaged or decayed tooth, protecting it from further damage. While modern fillings are strong and durable, taking care of them after they’ve been placed can extend the longevity of the fillings. If you’ve just had a filling, your local dentist recommends being mindful of your diet in the days following the filling placement. Avoid chewing anything while numb to avoid biting your tongue or lips (immediately after the procedure). For longevity, reduce or avoid certain foods to help protect your restored tooth.

What to Avoid After a Dental Filling

1. Sticky and Chewy Foods: Sticky foods can break the bond and pull at your filling, especially if you have a temporary one. They can also get stuck in your teeth, making it harder to keep the area clean. Avoid Gum, Caramel Taffy, Gummy candies, Dried fruits

2. Hard and Crunchy Foods: If the tooth is sensitive or develops sensitivity after dental work, biting into hard foods can put too much pressure on the tooth. Avoid eating these on the tooth for a few weeks until the sensitivity improves: Nuts, Hard candy, Ice cubes, Popcorn kernels, Chips

3. Hot and Cold Foods or Drinks: Sensitivity may develop from decay or fracture or after a filling is placed, especially if the damage is serious. Your tooth’s nerve may react strongly to extreme temperatures. Avoid: Extreme hot coffee or tea, Extreme colds like ice cream, Coldwater or soda, Hot soups, and Lukewarm foods, and drinks are best when consumed during the first few days. If sensitivity continues beyond a few weeks, follow up with your dentist. 

4. Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary foods and beverages encourage bacterial growth, which can lead to further decay around your filling. Limit: Soda, Candy, Sugary cereals,  Pastries, and dessert. 

5. Acidic Foods and Drinks: Acidic foods can weaken the tooth enamel and irritate the area around your filling. Steer clear of Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits), Vinegar-based foods (pickles, salad dressings), Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, and Carbonated drinks. Eating these foods in moderation is fine.

6. Tough meats or Chewy Bread: Chewing hard bread can put unnecessary strain on your filled tooth, and may cause discomfort. Avoid: Tough Steak or tough cuts of meat. Ensure it’s tender. Bagels, Crusty bread, Jerky. 

What Can You Eat After a Filling?

Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, here are some safe and gentle foods to enjoy after a filling: 

Soft and Easy-to-Chew Foods: Mashed potatoes, Scrambled eggs, Yogurt, Applesauce, Cottage cheese.

Mild-flavored fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, Avocados, Steamed carrots, Soft, peeled apples.

Protein-Rich and Filling Options: Soft fish (salmon, tilapia), Shredded chicken, Ground turkey or beef, Tofu, Smooth nut butter (peanut, almond), soft bread (without a crust)Pasta, White rice.

These foods are gentle on your teeth and won’t irritate your new filling. Stick to a soft diet for at least 24 hours. If sensitivity develops or worsens over the next few weeks, avoid chewing on the tooth for a couple of weeks to allow recovery and healing.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Recovery:

Chew on the opposite side: If possible, try not to chew directly on the filled tooth for the first 24 hours.

Wait before eating – composite fillings are ready to be used right away, but it’s still important to wait until the numbness wears off before chewing food.

Maintain good oral hygiene: Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated area for the first few days.

Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can slow healing and increase sensitivity.

When to Call Your Dentist: 

Mild sensitivity is normal, but if you experience severe pain, swelling, or a filling that feels loose or uneven, contact your dentist near me right away. 

Your dental office can identify any issues and make necessary adjustments. At Dental Therapy, we want your fillings to last and keep your oral health in top shape. By avoiding the wrong foods and following these simple aftercare tips, you can ensure a smooth recovery. Need a checkup? Schedule an appointment today with Dr Whiting, your trusted dentist in Phoenix!