Got a dental filling, and now you are thinking about when you can finally eat once more without getting into trouble? You are not the only one. It is a frequently asked question after repairing a cavity. Although the old rule was "wait 24 hours," the wait time now is based on the type of filling you received.
Some enable you to eat within minutes, whereas others require greater caution. In this article, we will go through just how long you should wait, which foods to steer clear of, and how to guard your new filling for enduring results.
Can You Eat After a Tooth Filling? Let's Clear It Up
Having a filling can feel like a casual dental appointment—but when you're in the chair, numb, and wondering, "When can I eat?"—it becomes a big deal.
The good news is that you won't have to starve for long. But how long you'll have to wait is dependent on a few key factors—particularly what kind of filling you had, how deep the cavity was, and if your mouth still feels numb.
How Long Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?
You can usually eat 2 hours after your tooth filling, once the numbness from the anaesthetic wears off. It’s best to start with soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth until everything feels normal again.
1. Composite Filling
If you had a composite filling (the tooth-colored, white one), your dentist likely used a special UV light to harden it in the chair. Technically, that makes it okay to eat shortly, like 1-2 hours after your appointment —just be careful and chew on the other side.
2. Amalgam Filling
With amalgam fillings (the silver ones), however, it's different. These fillings take significantly longer to harden completely—about 24 hours. Your dentist will probably advise you to wait at least 3–4 hours before taking anything to eat whatsoever, and not to chew on the side of your mouth that's been filled for the entire 24 hours to allow the material to set thoroughly. The filling will crack or move if you eat hard or sticky foods too early. [1]
What Else Affects When You Can Eat After a Filling?
It's not only the type of filling that decides when you can eat—there are a couple of things your mouth does that can influence it as well:
Still Numb?
Most fillings contain a local anesthetic that can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. It's easier to bite your tongue, cheek, or lip while numb and not even notice it. [2]
Sore or Tender?
Some discomfort is to be expected after a filling. You might not be up to chewing immediately. A small pain reliever like ibuprofen might be helpful.
Gum Irritation Nearby?
The gums around the filled tooth may be slightly irritated. Chewing on the other side and a warm salt water rinse can relieve it.
Sensitive to Hot or Cold?
You may experience sensitivity to temperature for a few days to a week. If it continues, call your dentist.
Your Bite Doesn't Feel "Right"
If your bite feels irregular or uncomfortable, your dentist can make a quick adjustment to the filling to correct it.
What To Eat After a Cavity Filling
Your mouth may feel numb and a bit sore after a filling, so just take it easy. Eat soft, bland foods for the first day or so. Mashed potatoes, soup (not hot), yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, or applesauce are all good choices.
These will not put pressure on your filling or your gums. Attempt to chew on the opposite side of your mouth, particularly if the filled tooth is sensitive. The idea is to make things simple while your filling hardens and your mouth settles.
Can I Drink Coffee After a Filling?
If you’re a coffee lover, you might want to hit pause—just for a bit. Right after a filling, your mouth will still be numb from the anaesthetic. Drinking hot coffee too soon can burn your tongue or cheeks without you even realizing it. It's safest to wait 1–2 hours or until the numbness fully wears off.
Foods to Avoid After a Filling
To keep your new filling safe (and not uncomfortable), avoid some foods for at least 24 hours:
Hard foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, or crusty bread [3]
Sticky materials such as toffee, gum, or sticky candy
Crunchy foods such as popcorn or chips
Extremely hot or cold foods such as ice cream or hot soup (if your teeth are sensitive)
Tips for Eating After a Filling
Here are some easy dos and don'ts to eat comfortably and not bother your new filling:
Dos |
Don’ts |
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How to Take Care of Your Filling (and Make It Last)
Taking care of your filling does not have to be difficult. Just play it straight: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, don't chew on hard things like ice or pens, and attempt to cut down on sugary snacks that can cause new cavities. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure your filling remains healthy.
For daily cleaning, using a mild yet effective toothbrush such as the Oclean Ultra-Quiet Series can keep teeth clean without aggravating sensitive areas—particularly useful immediately following a filling.
The Bottom Line
After having a filling, a little extra care makes all the difference. Let your mouth settle, eat soft foods, and don't put too much pressure on the treated tooth. Practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular check-ups to keep your filling (and the rest of your smile) in great shape.
Reference
1. Frothingham, Scott. “How Long before You Can Eat after a Filling?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 23 Mar. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/can-you-eat-after-a-filling.
2. Prasanna, J. S. “OraVerse: Reverses Numbness after Dental Procedures.” Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, vol. 11, no. 2, 5 Feb. 2012, pp. 212–219, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-011-0318-6. Accessed 11 July 2021.
3. Nuamwisudhi, Pasinee, and Thanomsuk Jearanaiphaisarn. “Oral Functional Behaviors and Tooth Factors Associated with Cracked Teeth in Asymptomatic Patients.” Journal of Endodontics, vol. 47, no. 9, Sept. 2021, pp. 1383–1390, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2021.05.012. Accessed 31 July 2022.
