Composite fillings are a common treatment for addressing existing tooth decay in children. These treatments often use tooth-colored, durable materials that can last for several years, but only if the filling is taken care of properly. It is important to help your child avoid eating certain foods after they get a filling in order to protect the new fillings and reduce their recovery time.
Even though fillings can withstand typical biting and chewing ability, these materials are still susceptible to damage. While fillings should last for at least five years, oral hygiene habits can impact their longevity. Other factors that can impact fillings include where the filling is in the mouth, excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth, and dietary choices. Food choices can affect fillings long-term, but the damage may be more immediate in the days following a filling procedure.
In years past, patients often had to wait at least 24 hours for a traditional amalgam filling to harden. Therefore, patients should minimize eating and drinking for that period of time to prevent fracturing or chipping the restoration. With composite fillings, parents can expect their child’s filling to harden much sooner. However, given the conditions of the child’s procedure, such as the placement of the filling or if the dentist used any numbing agents, there may be dietary restrictions recommended by the pediatric dentist.
In the first few hours after having a filling put in, the child’s lips and tongue may still be numb from the procedure. If so, it can be very easy for them to burn their tongue or lips with materials that are too hot. It is also easier for kids to mistakenly bite the tongue while the numbness wears off. There are also several other reasons why certain foods should be avoided.
Limit the child’s diet to soft foods and avoid anything that is hot. They may experience sensitivity near the site of the filling and slight soreness, which should also be considered when choosing between soft or hard foods. The tooth composition has changed with the filling, and it will take several hours or a couple of days to heal and adapt. Foods or liquids that are too hot or cold can also impact the bonding agent if the filling expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes.
Even though the filling should be hardened when leaving the pediatric dental office, biting on hard foods could fracture the filling. Chewy foods can get stuck in the teeth, potentially weakening the filling when it is fresh.
It is advisable to stay away from chewing gum or sticky foods after a filling is placed. Chewing gum could potentially alter the fit of a filling. This could lead to a repeat or corrective procedure down the road.
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Composite fillings are an effective and aesthetically beneficial way to prevent further tooth decay when cavities, cracks, or fractures have occurred in a child’s tooth. Call our office to speak to an experienced pediatric dentist about a suitable diet following your child’s filling procedure.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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