After a silver amalgam tooth filling, you should wait 24 hours before eating again. However, for composite fillings, you can eat immediately afterwards. You should avoid sticky and hard foods after receiving a tooth filling, and smoothies are best for the first day after a silver amalgam filling.
Composite resin fillings are the most popular type of tooth filling in Australia, although amalgam fillings have a long, popular history. Depending on which one you get, eating afterwards could hold some limitations.
During a dental filling procedure, a cavity may be filled with composite or porcelain. In this article, the team at JC Dental explains why you may have to wait before eating after getting tooth fillings. We’ll also provide you with a comprehensive list of safe foods to eat within the first 24 hours after a filling.
You should wait before eating after a tooth filling because some tooth fillings are still done with amalgam (also known as silver). These fillings take 24 hours to harden, so chewing may compromise their integrity. Composite resin hardens immediately, so eating normally is fine immediately after these fillings.
| Filling Type | Hardening Time | Eating Recommendation |
| Amalgam (silver) | 24 hours | Wait before chewing on the filled tooth |
| Composite (white) | Immediate | Eat once the numbness wears off |
Foods that are fine to eat after a tooth filling include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and plain yoghurt. Porridge (oats) and cottage cheese are also safe. It’s generally best to eat foods that are light in colour, soft, and require little to no chewing.
Here’s a list of eight foods you can eat after any tooth filling, as well as five smoothie options.
| Soft Food | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed potato | Smooth and easy to eat | Avoid adding crispy toppings |
| Scrambled eggs | Soft and protein-rich | Cook slowly for a fluffier texture |
| Yoghurt | Cool and soothing | Choose plain or fruit varieties |
| Soup | Warm and nourishing | Avoid chunky or very hot soups |
| Banana | Naturally soft and sweet | Easy to eat without much chewing |
| Oatmeal | Gentle on the teeth | Let it cool slightly before eating |
| Avocado | Creamy and nutritious | Mash for an even smoother texture |
| Smoothie | Blended fruit and yoghurt | Avoid seeds and ice chunks |
| Smoothie | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Banana blend | Banana, yoghurt, milk | Soft and creamy, easy to drink |
| Berry mix | Strawberries, blueberries, yoghurt | Use seedless or strained berries |
| Mango delight | Mango, coconut milk, honey | Naturally sweet and smooth |
| Oat smoothie | Oats, banana, almond milk | Nutritious and gentle on teeth |
| Avocado shake | Avocado, milk, vanilla | Extra creamy and nutrient-rich |
After a tooth filling, avoid all foods that are hard to chew, sticky, or sugary. It’s also best to avoid any foods that are brightly coloured. You must stay away from sweets, popcorn, and citrus fruits within the first week of receiving a new filling, because of their hard materials and sugar or acid content.
| Food Type | Examples | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Foods | Nuts, crunchy sweets, ice cubes | Can crack or dislodge filling |
| Sticky Foods | Toffees, chewing gum, caramel | May pull out the filling |
| Very Hot Foods | Soup, tea, coffee | Can increase sensitivity |
| Very Cold Foods | Ice cream, cold drinks | May trigger pain or discomfort |
| Sugary Foods | Cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks | Increases risk of decay |
| Acidic Foods | Citrus fruits, vinegar-based foods | Can cause irritation and sensitivity |
Yes, you should avoid very hot beverages, like coffee or tea, and icy beverages, like soda and ice water. This is because, after getting a filling, temperature is more important than the type of drink. Very hot beverages may expand your teeth and cause the filling to become compromised. In the same way, very cold beverages may contract your teeth.
Eating too soon after a tooth filling may compromise the treatment by damaging the contents of the filling itself. There is also a risk of infection after a tooth filling because of gum vulnerability. Amalgam takes 24 hours to set, and chewing or biting after this type of filling may completely remove the filling from the tooth cavity.
Speak to the team at JC Dental if you have any other questions about eating after a tooth filling. We’ll advise you on what you can eat and when, based on the treatment you’ve received or are about to receive.
Yes, it’s completely normal for your tooth to be sensitive after a filling. That’s because the anaesthesia is wearing off, and the drilling and filling of your tooth will make your teeth and gums feel fragile. However, this should wear off after several hours, or a day or two at most.
No, you should not chew gum after getting a filling. Gum is sticky and may dislodge the filling. You can safely chew gum two days after any kind of filling. If you chew gum, choose a sugar-free variety for the first week.
No, it’s best not to smoke after getting a tooth filled. Smoking within the first 48 hours of a tooth filling may slow down the healing of your gums. Heat from the smoke may also disturb the setting of the filling material, slowing down the bonding process.
It typically takes between 1 and 3 hours for the numbness to wear off after a filling. The local anaesthesia will still leave a residual numb feeling on your mouth, but it will go away after a while. To speed up the return of feeling to your mouth, massage your gums and drink lots of room-temperature water.
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