How do I care for my mouth after a dental filling?
Published 9 May 2026
To care for your mouth after a dental filling, avoid eating until the local anaesthetic wears off to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Opt for soft, lukewarm foods for the first 24 hours and maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine. Contact your dentist if your bite feels uneven or if sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks.
- Dietary Precautions: Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like toffee and nuts for several days to prevent dislodging the restoration.
- Pain Management: Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for minor discomfort and rinse with warm salt water to reduce gum swelling.
- Bite Alignment: If the filling feels high or lopsided after the numbness fades, return to your dentist for a quick adjustment.
- Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, but avoid highly abrasive whitening pastes that can increase sensitivity.