What To Know After Your Child Gets A Filling

Posted on July 30, 2022 | Hot Topics

Have you ever wondered about aftercare for kids getting dental fillings? You’ve come to the right place, and we’ve got some useful information for you!

There are many different types of fillings you can get with a pediatric dentist’s help. Your dentist will review these options, and which would be best for your child. For now, let’s focus on how our patients might feel after getting their teeth filled, and how you can help your children care for those dental fillings so they last as long as they are supposed to.

How Will You Feel Immediately After Many Pediatric Dentistry Procedures

First things first, your child’s pediatric dentist may need to numb the area before beginning to work, so after treatment, your child should hold off on eating anything crunchy or chewy for at least 1 to 3 hours to avoid any accidental lip-biting. Lip biting is the most common post-procedure complication and prevention requires close monitoring while your child is numb.

Your child may complain of some strange feelings in their mouth following their fillings. This is typically due to the local anesthetic that was used. It’s uncommon for children to have pain after their filling, but if they do, over the counter pain meds, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) work best. 

Your child may also mention that their bite feels different. This sensation is very normal. After getting a tooth filled, patients will often sense that their teeth don’t match up exactly as they used to. Keep asking your child how they feel whenever they are eating over the few days following the initial procedure. If your child still feels an odd sensation after several days, you should consult with the pediatric dentist about adjusting the fillings to correct the discomfort. 

Aftercare for The Procedures

Pediatric dentists commonly focus on two important things. First, they hope to promote good dental hygiene and health. Second, they create safe environments to make children feel comfortable during their dental treatments. 

As a reminder for parents, caring for your child’s dental filling requires paying additional attention to their dental hygiene. Dental fillings are made of various materials used to fill the teeth. All of those materials have different characteristics and ensuring their efficiency and how long they last will greatly depend on providing your child’s teeth with the appropriate care. 

Teaching your child to treat their dental filling as an extension of their teeth is most important. Caring for their fillings depends on the same steps you would take to prevent tooth decay. Remind your child or help them to brush their teeth after meals, and at least twice a day. Also, teach your child how to floss their teeth so they can do it daily. 

Keeping up with routine dental check ups with your pediatric dentist will let the professionals check on your child’s dental fillings and make sure they are in good condition. 

Avoid This if Your Child Has Dental Fillings

Help your child to understand the importance of brushing gently. Brushing with a little too much excitement can cause unnecessary wearing of the dental fillings, and can also injure the gum tissue. 

Avoid chewing on non-food items, like fingernails and pencils. Doing so can decrease the longevity of fillings and may cause them to chip or fall out.

Another simple thing is to remind your child to avoid grinding their teeth. Some patients continuously grind their teeth; a condition called bruxism. Doing this will wear down the surfaces of your teeth and might chip or crack fillings. If this is something your child struggles with, make sure to mention this at their next dental checkup. . 

Be Mindful of What Your Child Eats

You should also pay attention to your child’s diet after they’ve had dental fillings. Limit beverages that stain like black tea and pops. Also try avoiding overly acidic and sugary drinks as well. 

The restrictions on what you child can and cannot eat after a filling depends on the material the dental filling is made of. Your dentistry will review any necessary considerations after the appointment.

A good general rule is that your child should avoid sticky or chewy foods. Avoid very hot or very cold foods to prevent tooth sensitivity, which may occur after the placement of a large filling.

Get The Help You Need

Contact our office here at Blossom Pediatric Dentistry if you need help with your child’s dental filling. As durable as they are, dental fillings may eventually need replacements. You can trust our team to be right there when you need us at any stage of the treatment.