Dental Fillings for Kids: Aftercare and Oral Hygiene

Dental fillings for kids restore the smile for years to come. Proper aftercare and consistent oral hygiene help to ensure your child gets the most out of their fillings. Thankfully, caring for these restorations is simple and straightforward, particularly with the help of a pediatric dentist.

Aftercare guidelines for kids’ dental fillings

A dental filling is a dental restoration that “fills” cavities or chips and cracks in the teeth. They may be gold, silver amalgam, or a tooth-colored material like porcelain or composite resin. With each of these fillings, proper aftercare involves the following.

Keep a tab on any symptoms

According to Healthline, it is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity after getting a cavity filled. Other symptoms include tenderness in the gums and nearby teeth that may be more severe when eating, drinking, and brushing. All these symptoms should go away completely in about one to two days. Thus, it is important to keep a tab on the child’s symptoms to ensure they are gradually getting better. If they worsen or are still present in four weeks, consult a dentist for help.

Make temporary changes to the child’s diet

The pediatric dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth before placing a dental filling. Patients should wait until all sensation returns to the mouth before eating — about two hours. Then, for the first 24 hours, do not chew with the treated tooth or those surrounding it.

Patients should avoid eating hard, sticky, and sugary foods such as nuts and hard candy during this initial period. It can also help to avoid temperature extremes, like hot soup and ice cream. As mentioned, the treated area will likely be sensitive for a few days.

Promptly repair any damage to the filling

Dental fillings for kids can last up to 15 years. However, wear and tear can happen. Dental trauma and injuries can also cause them to fall out or become damaged. Therefore, children and their parents should keep an eye on the dental filling and visit a dentist for a repair or replacement should anything happen to it.

Oral hygiene and dental fillings for kids

Taking care of a dental filling involves consistent oral hygiene. Children should brush their teeth twice daily, preferably with nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once per day is also an important part of caring for teeth and fillings. Regular checkups with the dentist for a teeth cleaning are recommended, as well. During these appointments, the dentist will ensure the dental filling is in good condition. If necessary, they can repair or replace it.