What can I eat after tooth filling?

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Quick answers

Here are some quick answers to what you can eat after a tooth filling:

Soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and scrambled eggs are good options after a filling.
Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Drink plenty of water and avoid hot beverages for a few hours.
Wait 30 minutes to an hour before eating after the numbing medication wears off.
Stick to lukewarm and cool foods instead of hot foods on the day of your filling.

Why does my dentist recommend a soft food diet after a filling?

Dentists typically recommend sticking to soft foods for 24-48 hours after getting a filling. There are a few reasons for this:

The filling material needs time to fully harden and bond to your tooth. Hard or crunchy foods could damage a filling while it’s setting.
Your tooth may be sensitive after the procedure and may not be able to tolerate hard foods.

Numbing medication can increase your risk of biting your lip or cheek. Soft foods are less likely to cause injury.
The injection site and your jaw may be sore. Chewing hard foods can aggravate this discomfort.

Following your dentist’s postoperative instructions helps ensure your filling sets properly and your mouth heals quickly after the procedure.

What foods should I avoid after a filling?

Here are some foods to avoid for the first 1-2 days after getting a tooth filled:

Hard, crunchy foods: nuts, seeds, popcorn, hard candy
Chewy or sticky foods: gum, caramel, taffy, dried fruit, granola bars

Crusty breads: baguettes, rolls, pizza crust
Tough meats: steak, jerky
Hard fruits and vegetables: raw apples, carrots, celery

Chips and other crunchy snack foods

All of these foods can potentially damage a new filling or irritate a freshly treated tooth. It’s best to stick to softer options until your tooth has had time to heal.

What foods can I eat after a dental filling?

Here are some good food choices for the days following a filling procedure:

Yogurt: Try plain Greek yogurt or yogurt with soft fruit mixed in. The cool temperature feels nice.
Soft scrambled eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein. Opt for soft-scrambled.
Mashed potatoes: Skip the crunchy potato chips and enjoy smooth, creamy mashed potatoes instead.

Pasta: Macaroni and cheese, ravioli, and other soft pasta dishes are good choices.
Rice: Plain white rice or rice pudding make for comforting, tooth-friendly meals.
Cottage cheese: This soft, creamy cheese is easy on your mouth.

Smoothies: Whip up a fruit smoothie loaded with vitamin C for healing.
Soups: Warm brothy soups like chicken noodle are ideal after dental work.
Ice cream: The cool treat can soothe irritation. Avoid crunchy add-ins.

Focus on soft, vitamin-rich foods to help your mouth recover. Avoid spicy foods that could cause discomfort.

When can I resume my normal diet after a filling?

It typically takes around 24-48 hours for a filling to set completely. After this initial healing period, you can slowly begin adding normal foods back into your diet. Here are some general timelines to follow:

After 24 hours: You can start to eat slightly harder foods like pizza crust, pasta, and fruits like ripe bananas and cooked apples. Avoid very hot or very cold foods that could cause sensitivity.

After 48 hours: If your tooth feels normal, you can resume your regular diet. But continue to chew carefully on the side of your mouth with the new filling.
After 1 week: The filling should be completely hardened. Foods and drinks of all temperatures and textures should be fine.
After 3-4 weeks: The filling is fully integrated into your tooth. Your tooth should feel completely normal when eating and drinking.

It’s important to follow your dentist’s specific recommendations, as the timeline may vary depending on the type of filling material used.

Are there any drinks I should avoid after a filling?

Certain beverages are best avoided during the first day or two after a dental filling:

Hot drinks: Hot coffee, tea, and soup can irritate a freshly treated tooth. Allow fillings to harden before exposing teeth to heat.

Carbonated drinks: Fizzy sodas and sparkling water may sting. The bubbles can get underneath a filling that’s not fully set.
Acidic drinks: Citrus juices, sports drinks, and wine can cause sensitivity. Avoid them for a few days.
Dark colored drinks: Beverages like red wine, coffee, and dark sodas can stain a new filling before it fully seals.

Alcohol: Postponing alcohol is wise as it can slow healing and interact with numbing medication.

Opt for cool water, milk, or smoothies for the first day or so. After the numbing wears off completely, plain tap water should be fine.

When can I drink coffee after a filling?

It’s best to avoid hot coffee and other steaming hot beverages for the first 24 hours after getting a filling. The heat can cause sensitivity in the freshly treated tooth.

After the first day, you can slowly start to incorporate warm (not piping hot) coffee back into your diet. Take small sips and pay attention to any discomfort you may feel. Iced or room temperature coffee is safest as you adjust.

By one week after the procedure, coffee of any temperature should be well tolerated. But continue monitoring your tooth and stop drinking coffee if you notice any ongoing sensitivity.

Can I drink alcohol after a tooth filling?

It’s recommended to avoid alcoholic drinks for 24-48 hours after getting a dental filling. Here’s why:

Alcohol can slow blood clotting and inhibit healing of the tooth and injection site.
Drinking while you still have numbing medication in your system increases the risks of slurred speech, lack of coordination, and biting your cheek/lip.
Alcohol could irritate and prolong tooth sensitivity after a filling.

Some interactions could occur between alcohol and any pain medications you’ve been prescribed.

After the first 1-2 days, you can resume drinking alcohol in moderation. But avoid heavily pigmented drinks like red wine, since staining could affect the color match of your new filling.

When can I eat solid food after a filling?

Here are general guidelines on when you can add solid foods back into your diet after a dental filling:

4-6 hours post-procedure: Once the numbing medication has completely worn off, you can start with soft, lukewarm solid foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, or soup.
24 hours after: You can try slightly harder foods like ripe fruits, sandwiches, and pizza with gentle chewing on the opposite side of your mouth.
48 hours after: If you’re not experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort, resume your normal diet. But continue to chew carefully on the filling side.

1 week after: At this point, the filling should be fully set. Slowly work your way back to a fully normal diet with no limitations.

Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about when you can eat solid foods again after a filling. They may provide specific guidelines based on the location and extent of your filling.

Conclusion

Getting a tooth filled can be uncomfortable, but carefully following your dentist’s dietary advice helps ensure proper healing. Stick to a diet of soft, lukewarm foods and cool liquids for the first 1-2 days. Slowly reintroduce solid, crunchy, and hot and cold foods over the following days and weeks. Within about a month, your tooth with its new filling should feel completely back to normal. Pay attention to any lingering sensitivity or discomfort and check in with your dentist if needed.