When you come to West Gate Dental for your tooth-colored fillings, we want to make sure you walk away with the proper care instructions. The goal should be to preserve the integrity and appearance of your composite tooth-colored fillings for many years to come. Let's look at some tips from an expert dentist in Lincoln, NE.
1. Paying Attention to Oral Hygiene
It's imperative that you focus on optimal oral hygiene to care for your composite tooth-colored fillings and prevent future cavities. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily to remove food particles stuck between your teeth. You can also use an oral rinse with fluoride for added protection.
2. Avoiding Hard Foods and Acidic Drinks
Biting into hard food or candy can quickly cause damage to your fillings, resulting in chips, cracks, and other damage. Avoid anything hard, sticking to softer foods. You should also stay away from any kind of acidic beverages that can erode the material of your filling. This includes sodas, coffee, and tea.
You should follow a diet that focuses on healthy foods that can help strengthen your teeth. This includes leafy greens, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
3. Keep Up With Routine Dental Appointments
Ideally, you schedule routine appointments with your dental team. This allows us to spot any potential damage to your filling before the problem is serious. We can make repairs and improvements as needed. This helps protect your current filling while preventing the need for future fillings.
4. Address Teeth Grinding
Some people grind their teeth, especially when they are sleeping. This can put a great deal of pressure on your fillings, which can lead to them breaking or wearing down prematurely. If you are grinding your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard for protection. You can also use relaxation techniques to relax your jaw and prevent clenching.
5. Watch Out for Concerns and Issues
It's normal to experience some degree of sensitivity after having a filling put in place. However, that feeling should go away within a few weeks or so. If you are experiencing ongoing sensitivity, pain, or discomfort, reach out to our team. We can inspect your filling and diagnose what's going on. If there are any issues with the filling itself, the problem should be fixed as soon as possible.
We here at West Gate Dental want to make sure that you are happy with the treatment that you experience when you meet with our dentist in Lincoln, NE. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. We encourage you to check out our blog as well for helpful dental care tips and information.