Getting a dental filling can be an unpleasant experience. The drilling, the strange tastes and smells, and the numbness that lingers for hours afterwards are all part and parcel of undergoing this common dental procedure. But one of the biggest questions many people have after getting a filling is: when can I eat or drink again?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the location of the filling, the materials used, and your dentist’s recommendations. Read on to learn more about how long you should wait before eating or drinking after a dental filling.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to how long after a filling you can eat or drink:
- For composite fillings, avoid eating for at least an hour after your filling.
- For amalgam fillings, avoid eating for at least 2 hours after your filling.
- Drinking cold water is okay right away, but avoid hot drinks for a couple hours.
- Don’t chew on the side of your mouth with the new filling for 24 hours.
- Avoid very hot, very cold, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods for 24-48 hours.
The reason for these precautions is to allow the filling material to fully set and bond to your tooth before subjecting it to forces from eating and drinking. Follow your dentist’s specific recommendations, as they may provide different guidelines depending on your situation.
How Long to Avoid Eating After a Filling
Most dentists recommend avoiding eating for at least an hour after your filling. However, the exact time frame can vary based on the material used for your filling:
For Composite Fillings
Composite resin fillings set quickly to the tooth using a dental curing light. The setting process only takes about 30-60 seconds. However, it’s still best to avoid eating for at least an hour to allow the bond between the filling and tooth to fully set.
For Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made from metal mixed with mercury and other metals. They take longer to set than composite fillings, so you’ll need to wait at least 2 hours before eating after an amalgam filling.
How Long to Avoid Drinking Hot and Cold Beverages
It’s best to avoid drinking hot coffee, tea, or other hot beverages for a few hours after a filling. The heat can cause expansion and contraction that may weaken the bond between the filling and your tooth.
However, drinking cold water should be fine immediately after your filling, as it won’t subject the filling to extreme temperature changes. Just avoid chewing ice or other hard, frozen items on the side with the new filling.
How Long to Avoid Chewing on the Filling
Don’t chew crunchy or sticky foods on the side of your mouth with the new filling for at least 24 hours. It takes this long for the bond between the filling and your tooth to fully cure and gain its maximum strength.
Avoid very hot, very cold, crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods for 24-48 hours after your filling. Gradual reintroduction to normal eating over 1-2 days gives the filling time to gain strength.
Other Precautions After a Filling
In addition to watching what you eat and drink after a filling, be sure to follow any other instructions your dentist provides, such as:
- Avoid brushing or flossing next to the new filling for 24 hours to avoid disrupting it before it’s fully set.
- Rinse your mouth gently without swishing vigorously.
- Avoid chewing gum or hard candies that could dislodge the new filling.
- Don’t smoke for 24-48 hours, as the suction could loosen the filling.
Signs of Problems After a Filling
It’s normal to have some mild pain and sensitivity after a filling, but call your dentist if you experience:
- Severe throbbing pain that medication doesn’t relieve
- Pain or sensitivity that lasts more than a few days
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that persists beyond 48 hours
- The filling falling out
These could be signs of an improperly placed filling, infection, nerve inflammation, or other complications that should be addressed right away to prevent further damage.
Special Considerations for Front Teeth Fillings
Front teeth fillings require extra precautions because of their visibility and role in speech and eating. Your dentist may advise avoiding the following for 2-7 days after a front tooth filling:
- Drinking hot coffee, tea, or other deeply colored beverages that could stain the new filling
- Swimming, to avoid prolonged water exposure
- Smoking
- Eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Always follow the specific post-filling instructions provided by your dentist. The location of your filling and the materials used impact the necessary precautions and how long to wait before resuming your normal diet.
Let your dentist know if you experience any ongoing pain, discomfort, or other concerns after your filling so they can check it is placed properly and advise proper care for optimal results.
The Takeaway
Avoid eating for 1-2 hours after dental fillings and steer clear of very hot or very cold foods and drinks for at least 24 hours. Don’t chew on the side with the new filling for 24 hours. Follow all of your dentist’s post-filling instructions to allow proper healing and prevent complications.
With proper oral hygiene and care of your filling, it can last many years before needing replaced. Avoid sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods that could crack or dislodge the filling. See your dentist as soon as possible if you have any concerns after a filling so they can keep your smile healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a filling can I drink coffee?
Avoid drinking hot coffee or other hot beverages for at least 24 hours after getting a filling. The heat can expand the filling material before it is fully set. Iced or room temperature coffee is fine after the first hour.
Can I drink alcohol after a filling?
It’s best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after a dental filling. Alcohol can slow the healing process. After the first day, use caution and avoid alcohol if you are still having sensitivity or pain from your filling.
When can I chew gum after a filling?
Avoid chewing gum for at least 24 hours after getting a filling. The repetitive chewing motion and stickiness of gum can dislodge a new filling before it is fully set. After 24 hours, chewing sugar-free gum can help generate saliva to clear out food and speed healing.
How long after a filling can I kiss?
Gentle kissing should be fine 24 hours after getting a dental filling, as long as your mouth is no longer numb. Avoid more passionate kissing for 48 hours to allow the filling to fully set. Kissing too soon could dislodge the filling before the bond to your tooth is solid.
Can I smoke after a filling?
It’s best not to smoke for at least 48 hours after getting a dental filling. The suction from inhaling on a cigarette can pull at the new filling before it has fully adhered to your tooth. Smoking also increases the risk of getting a dry socket if your filling involves extraction.
How soon can I brush my teeth after a filling?
Avoid brushing and flossing next to the new filling for at least 24 hours. Gentle brushing of unaffected areas is fine, but wait to brush the area of your new filling to prevent disrupting it before the bond has fully set.
When can I use a straw after a filling?
Drinking through a straw can create suction that could dislodge a new filling. Avoid using a straw for the first 24 hours after getting a filling. After 24 hours, use caution and gently allow liquid to fall into your mouth without strong suction.
Can I play sports after a filling?
Avoid contact sports and strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after getting a filling. The impacts from sports could loosen your new filling. After 24 hours, take care to avoid hits to the side of the mouth with the new filling.
Conclusion
After getting a dental filling, be patient and allow time for the material to fully bond to your tooth before putting pressure on it from eating, drinking, physical activities, and more. Exact time frames vary based on the type and location of the filling and your dentist’s recommendations.
In general, avoid eating for 1-2 hours, very hot or cold foods for 24 hours, and chewing on the side with the new filling for at least 24 hours. Limit your diet to soft, lukewarm foods and be gentle cleaning your teeth near the filling site. Contact your dentist if you have any ongoing concerns.
With proper care after your filling, you can help ensure your filled tooth remains healthy and intact for many years before needing replaced. Follow your dentist’s advice and take steps to protect your new filling as it initially sets.