The smile is one of the first things that other people may notice about you upon meeting them. However, when both teeth and mouth are not given proper care and attention, it can lead to several oral issues that can compromise the appearance of your smile, oral health, and even your overall health. One of the common oral problems encountered by adults is tooth decay.
Tooth decay or cavities should never be disregarded as they can permanently damage the surface of the teeth, which results in the development of tiny openings or holes. If left untreated, they can get more extensive and may affect the deeper layers of the teeth, and lead to severe toothache, infection, or even tooth loss.
One way of addressing problems caused by tooth decay is filling the affected tooth with tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings or composite fillings are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile, such as changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. Once the tooth-colored filling has been placed in one or more of your teeth, you may experience soreness and tooth sensitivity that will persist for hours or even days after leaving the dental office. This situation can be troublesome as it can make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
To prevent any occurrence of trouble or discomfort after you’ve had your tooth-colored fillings, we at Dentistry of East Sacramento have prepared the following tips on what foods to avoid and how to chew properly:
Tip 1. Chew slowly and bite lightly
Biting applies too much pressure on the teeth, which can make them very sore after getting a filling. When chewing on food, one must take their time and try not to abruptly bite all the way through to prevent the teeth from making any forceful contact. As much as possible, chew on the opposite side of the mouth from where the filling is.
Tip 2. Avoid very hot or cold drinks
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, try to avoid drinking a very hot or cold beverage. Instead, try to consume drinks that are moderate in temperature since they are less likely to trigger pain in sensitive teeth.
Tip 3. Keep the mouth closed when chewing
For some, cold air triggers pain in sensitive teeth. Remember to keep the mouth closed when eating to reduce the chance of cold air entering the mouth and cause pain.
Tip 4. Don’t chew nuts, hard candy, ice, or other hard foods
Aside from causing extreme pressure on the teeth that are still recovering, biting hard foods can cause the filling to dislodge.
Tip 5. Steer clear of sticky foods
Just to be sure, it is best to skip eating sticky foods as it can cause the filling to loosen, which can promote the decay to set in around it.
Let us help you restore and regain your teeth’s function. Avail of our Tooth-Colored Fillings in Sacramento, CA. Book an appointment with us at Dentistry of East Sacramento. Our dental office is located at 1005 39th St., Sacramento, CA 95816.