There’s a lot of advice out there on Google about the period of time you should wait to start eating sticky foods again after getting a filling. While it’s true that amalgam fillings in particular have a setting period after leaving the dentist’s office, we feel it’s also a disservice to patients to merely tell them to avoid sticky foods in a very short term sense.
The reality is that sticky foods are not ideal for fillings, period. Fillings adhere to the tooth largely by fit, the way they mold to the teeth when applied. Anything that consistently tugs on them from different directions can cause them to come loose over time.
So much so, in fact, that consistently eating sticky foods is the number one cause of fillings falling out.
The more times a filling falls out, the more difficult it can be for the replacement to stay in since the grooves that help hold it in place wear away.
We realize it’s not necessarily realistic to tell a patient to avoid sticky foods altogether. But given that sticky foods are also usually sugary, which is likely a part of what caused cavities in the first place, it is a good idea to cut back on sticky foods anyway.
More info about good hygiene habits when you have fillings or are trying to prevent cavities:
- Special High-Fluoride Toothpaste for Kids
- The Impact of Tobacco on Teen Dental Health
- Teen Dental Health Do’s and Don’ts
Signs Your Filling May Be Damaged
If your child has been eating sticky or hard, crunchy food lately and have wondered if your child’s fillings are becoming damaged, here are some signs to look out for.
- A sudden, increased sensitivity to hot or cold food can be a sign something is wrong with the filling, or that the tooth underneath might be experiencing additional wear/damage.
- Discomfort in the affected tooth, namely discomfort that comes and goes throughout the day, or discomfort that lingers.
- Sensitivity to sugary foods. If you notice that any time your child enjoys sugary foods or drinks their tooth is uncomfortable or feels weird, it could be a sign there’s an issue with the filling.
Contact our office today if you believe your child may be having trouble with their filling!