On average, an American that has reached the age of 44 will have lost at least one permanent tooth. Only about 31% of 44-year-olds still have all their original adult teeth in prime condition.
What’s the reason for the disparity? Maintaining healthy teeth is no easy feat!
From our modern-day diets to squeezing in dental appointments, there’s a lot that can go wrong. If you’re hoping to maintain healthy teeth, then you’ll also likely have to endure a cavity filling at some point. Learn exactly how to care for your dental health after a filling and how to maintain healthy teeth afterward.
How to Care for Your Teeth After a Cavity Filling
Filling a cavity is one of the most common types of dental treatments performed by dental offices. The process is fairly simple. First, the dentist will numb the area to ensure your comfort. From there, they will remove any decay on the tooth. Finally, they’ll fill the hole with special materials that will protect the rest of your tooth and your bite moving forward.
Immediately after the process, your mouth will likely remain partially numb for a few hours. At that time it’s critical to take care of your teeth, tongue, and lips, by being mindful of your lack of feeling. Do your best not to chew on your cheek. Even though the filling is fully set when you leave the office, it is still advisable to be cautious during eating and drinking. Once the numbness starts to fade, you may feel a bit of discomfort depending on the procedure you received. You can use over-the-counter pain medication to help ease this discomfort if necessary. If you notice a bit of swelling, then ice is your best bet. Within a day or two, your mouth should return completely to normal, and your discomfort should be a thing of the past.
Preventing Future Cavities by Maintaining a Healthy Smile
While the process of filing a cavity is fairly simple and non-invasive, it’s still not something you want to go through if you don’t have to. That’s why it’s so important to prevent future cavities by:
- Brushing every day
- Flossing regularly
- Getting regular check-ups with your dentist
- Being mindful about the drinks you consume (tea, coffee, sodas)
- Remaining aware of your sugar intake
These steps will help you keep your smile shining brightly.
Maintaining Healthy Teeth in 2022 and Beyond
These days, having healthy teeth means more than implementing brushing and flossing routines. It also means more than simply visiting your dentist every few months. To ensure that you get to experience optimal dental health, you’ll want to look deep into your daily habits, diet, and more.
The bad news is that tooth decay is a natural consequence of aging, so even the most diligent people can still get cavities from time to time. The good news is that you can easily overcome a cavity and get back to your healthy smile by treating the issue before it gets worse.
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