In the past, traditional metal fillings were used to treat cavities. However, they tend to stand out against teeth and can look unnatural. Today, more parents prefer composite fillings for their children. These fillings serve the same purpose but with more natural-looking results. Dental fillings are relatively straightforward and do not require much aftercare. However, there are ways to help reduce your child’s discomfort, prevent damage, and prolong the life of their composite fillings.
Many pediatric dentists recommend simple adjustments to a child’s daily routine for the first 24 hours after the procedure, combined with long-term home care tips. With good habits, these fillings can last for five years or more.
Once the procedure is complete at the office, dental fillings are hardened and set. Even if a child is feeling well, help them wait to eat until all numbing agents (i.e., local anesthesia) have worn off completely. Otherwise, the child could unknowingly cause soft tissue damage while chewing.
Soft foods are often recommended for the first day after receiving any type of dental work, including composite fillings. This can help the young patient avoid unnecessary discomfort, as there may be some soreness and inflammation for a few hours post-procedure. Consuming foods or beverages that are very hot or cold can also increase sensitivity issues. Parents should help their children keep things closer to body temperature for the first day after the filling procedure.
In addition, parents should help kids limit their consumption of sugary and acidic foods. These can increase the chance of developing more tooth decay in the future. In addition, extremely hard, sticky, or crunchy foods could damage the filling and should be consumed carefully.
Like tooth enamel, composite fillings can stain when exposed to certain foods and chemicals. If a young patient’s composite filling is in a visible spot, they and their guardian should limit choices that are likely to stain. These include:
Tooth whitening toothpaste and treatments do not work on composite fillings. Therefore, if staining occurs, the patient and their guardian may need to see a pediatric dentist or other dental professional for teeth whitening.
Daily brushing and flossing are still essential for good dental health and can be resumed on the day of treatment. Kids should use a soft-bristled brush and clean the affected area gently and thoroughly. If it is still sensitive or tender. Their parents can give them a warm salt water rinse to help relieve discomfort while neutralizing harmful bacteria. Kids need to avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these can affect the structural integrity of composite fillings over time. In addition, children should see a pediatric dentist at least once every six months — or twice a year — for checkups and professional cleanings.
Too much pressure on a composite filling can lead to damage and may require early replacement or repair. Do not allow kids with composite fillings to chew on ice or foreign objects to prevent such damage. Chronic tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can damage dental work. Parents should seek treatment for their child if they notice signs of this condition.
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Composite fillings are an effective treatment option for tooth decay. Eating the right foods and maintaining good oral hygiene can help this dental work last. Call our office if your child recently received composite fillings and you have questions about their care. We are here to help you and your child make their fillings last as long as possible.
Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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