How to Care for Your Dental Fillings
Getting a dental filling is a common procedure to restore decayed or damaged teeth. After you leave the dentist’s office, however, it’s important to know how to care for your filling to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Proper maintenance of dental fillings helps keep your teeth healthy and strong. At Dumas Family Dental, our Dumas, TX dentists provide top-notch dental care to help you maintain your oral health.
We also proudly serve the surrounding areas, including Cactus, Sunray, and Etter. If you’re wondering how to properly care for your dental fillings, contact our Dumas dental office by calling (806) 583-0872.
Essential Dental Filling Care Tips
Taking care of your dental fillings doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few key habits, you can protect your fillings from wear and tear.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Good oral hygiene is your first line of defense against decay and damage around your dental fillings. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the area around the filling, as food particles and plaque can build up.
Flossing once a day is also important to remove plaque between your teeth, preventing decay from forming near the filling edges.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Using the right toothbrush is crucial for maintaining your dental fillings. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums, which reduces the risk of damaging the filling material. Brushing too hard can wear down the filling over time, so be sure to use gentle, circular motions.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods
Dental fillings can withstand normal biting forces, but chewing on extremely hard or sticky foods can cause them to crack or loosen. Try to limit foods like ice, hard candies, and caramel, as these can pull at the edges of the filling or even cause it to break.
Watch for Sensitivity
It’s not uncommon to experience some sensitivity after getting a dental filling, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods. If this sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist. Sensitivity can be a sign that the filling isn’t sealing properly, and you might need an adjustment or replacement.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Routine checkups at Dumas Family Dental allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your fillings. During your checkup, your dentist can check for any signs of wear, cracks, or decay around the filling. Regular professional cleanings also help keep your fillings and natural teeth in great shape. Our team proudly serves the residents of Dumas, TX, and surrounding areas such as Cactus, Sunray, and Etter.
Address Teeth Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth (a condition known as bruxism), it can put extra stress on your dental fillings, causing them to wear down prematurely. Talk to your Dumas dentist about getting a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs of a cavity include:
- Toothache when eating or drinking sweet, hot, or cold items.
- Sensitivity to temperature, sweet, or acidic foods.
- Visible holes, pits, or discoloration on the tooth surface.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Pus or discharge around the tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure.
- Rough or broken tooth edges.
Yes, a dentist can determine if patients need a filling replaced through a dental examination. During the examination, the dentist will visually inspect the filling and may also take dental X-rays to assess the condition of the filling and the underlying tooth structure.
Keep Your Smile Strong with Proper Care
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your dental fillings last as long as possible and continue to protect your teeth from further decay. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and smart choices about what you eat all play a role in maintaining the health of your fillings.
If you have any concerns or need a checkup, schedule an appointment with our team at Dumas Family Dental by calling (806) 583-0872. We proudly serve patients in Dumas, Cactus, Sunray, and Etter and surrounding areas.