5 Tips to Protect Dental Fillings

Dentists often use dental fillings to address the cavities that result from tooth decay. It is one of the least expensive procedures performed by dentists that can help to prevent cavities from growing. Without treatment, the cavities will grow to the point where a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.

The filling process

Getting fillings is a relatively straightforward procedure. During the treatment, the dentist will prepare any teeth that have cavities by drilling into the teeth to remove any decayed material and debris from the tooth. After removing all the decayed tooth material, the dentist will insert the appropriate filling into the cavity. Traditionally, dental fillings have been made of metal alloys, but composite dental fillings are the norm nowadays.

These composite fillings offer multiple benefits over traditional fillings. For example, composite fillings are often the same color as your natural teeth, so the fillings are virtually invincible in the mouth. Fillings will not help a patient to regain the functional strength of a tooth. Fillings will improve its appearance and stop tooth decay in its tracks. Dental fillings also prevent food particles and debris from accumulating in the cavity. How long fillings last depends on how well the patient takes care of it.

Five easy steps for long-lasting fillings

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to increasing the longevity of dental fillings. Taking proper care of teeth will also help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent new cavities from forming.

Brush twice daily with a fluoride-infused toothpaste, floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash to lower the quantity of bacteria in the mouth. Doing this will keep fillings protected from the corrosive acids in the mouth that can damage them.

2. Avoid foods and beverages that stain your teeth

Composite resins can stain just like the natural teeth when consuming items with strong coloring agents like red wine or coffee. When someone does consume any of these items, they need to make sure to rinse the mouth with milk or water afterward.

3. Don’t chew on hard things

Chewing on hard items like hard candies or ice can damage the teeth and the fillings inside them. Stick to soft foods that are easy to break down with the teeth.

4. Wear a mouth guard if necessary

Certain habits like grinding teeth can be difficult to stop, so people need to do whatever they must to minimize the damage to the teeth. Wear a mouth guard before going to bed to prevent grinding teeth while asleep. Mouth guards can also help protect teeth when playing contact sports.

5. Visit a dentist regularly

Regular visits to the dentist's office will give the oral professional an opportunity to detect and address any issues with your fillings before major damage occurs. Contact one of our dentists for more tips on how to increase the longevity of dental fillings. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Premier Dental Care Of Utah, request an appointment in our West Valley City dental office here: https://premierdentalcareutah.com. Or call us at (801) 316-6577.

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