Did you recently have a dental filling done? You might be confused about when you can eat again. Usually, the mouth is numb after a filling, and you don’t want to risk damaging it, either. But worry not, hungry reader! There are plenty of food options for you to enjoy after a dental filling. As long as you take a few precautions, you won’t have to give up on delicious meals!
When Can You Eat After a Filling?
Before treating your taste buds, wait for the anesthesia to wear off. This might take around two to three hours. Since tingling and sore numbness are experienced as the anesthesia wears off, it’s best to avoid anything that could burn your mouth or require a lot of chewing.
You can start by introducing soft foods back into your diet. Slowly, you can move on with other options.
Soft Foods to Eat After the Dental Filling
Below, you’ll find a list of delicious soft food options that you can eat after a filling. Just wait for the anesthesia to wear off:
- Soup: a perfect blend of warm, comforting, and easy to swallow — soap is a great option after dental filling. Still, be careful to choose a broth-based soup rather than a cream-based one since the latter can be high in sugar and fat.
- Smoothies: Packed with nutritious, a fruit smoothie is a refreshing snack that won’t damage your new filling. However, avoid using a straw as the suction can dislodge the blood clot.
- Yogurt: With calcium and probiotics, yogurt makes for an excellent food alternative after a filling. Opt for a plain, unsweetened variety to limit your sugar intake.
- Mashed Potatoes: Yes! You can enjoy your favorite vegetable dish: mashed potatoes! They’re soft and easy to swallow after the cherry on top — mashed potatoes don’t harm your filling. Keep in mind, though, gravy is high in sodium, so it is best to avoid it.
- Scrambled Eggs: eating scrambled eggs after a filling is a beneficial option. Cook your eggs thoroughly and enjoy the protein-packed meal!
Eating After a Dental Filling: Firmer Food Options
Once you grow more comfortable with eating after you receive a dental filling, you can slowly reintroduce firmer foods.
Some foods that require a bit more chewing but won’t harm your dental filling include:
- Pasta: You can enjoy soft pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, after a dental filling. But be sure not to eat something too hard or chewy.
- Fish: Salmon, tilapia, or any other soft, flaky fish is a good option too. Check the meal for bones since they can get stuck in your teeth and harm your dental filling.
- Steamed Vegetables: Get your fill of steamed vegetables after a dental filling. This nutritious dish will help you retain your energy. Choose broccoli or other vegetables that are not too fibrous or hard. Similarly, avoid eating raw carrots and raw celery after a filling.
- Cooked Fruit: fruits and vegetables often go hand in hand, even after you’ve had a filling. Eat soft, sweet, and cooked foods like pears. Simultaneously, steer clear of citrus fruits or pineapple for a few days.
- Tofu: You can eat the soft, filled-with-protein tofu after filling. Just be cautious not to consume anything crunchy or hard, like tofu skin or fried tofu.
While you eat, listen to your body as well! Stay attentive, and call your dentist immediately in case you experience any pain or discomfort. It’s better to stick to soft foods until full recovery if your teeth are sensitive.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a list of 10 foods you can eat after a dental filling. While you may need to avoid some of your favorite foods and snacks for a few days after a dental filling, there are still plenty of delicious alternatives to choose from. Just be sure to take it slow and listen to whatever your dentist has to say. At Smile One Dental, our dentists prioritize your comfort. Give us a call at (713) 936-4062.