4 Care Essentials for New and Old Dental Fillings

Dental fillings can be a necessary part of tooth care even for those who care for their teeth regularly and try to keep them pristine. Whether you have old dental fillings or you're planning to get some soon, there are basic methods of care that can help ensure they last a long time. Here are a few of the essentials with regard to dental filling care and maintenance.

This first tip may seem obvious, but it is common for many people to neglect the basics of tooth care. Most dentists recommend that their clients brush their teeth at least twice a day and use some flossing in between when necessary. Note that even though fillings are not a natural part of the tooth, they require the basic cleaning and sanitizing that regular brushing provides. Harmful bacteria that is left on a filling can cause damage that spreads to another part of the tooth. This is especially true if the bacteria manages to get underneath the filling, remaining sheltered from your oral care routine as it eats away at the tooth beneath. In order to allow fillings to do their job and protect your tooth, take the time to care for it and your teeth with regular brushing and maintenance.

Many people take their tooth fillings for granted, assuming that it’s a one-time deal and then their teeth are covered for life. However, just like chipping a tooth, those fillings can be knocked free under the right conditions. Chewing on hard foods like almonds or popcorn kernels can pop a filling free, leaving the tooth beneath exposed to further damage if not taken care of. While it can take time to get an appointment with your regular dentist for a proper replacement, an emergency dentist can get a temporary filling put in place until you are able to get a more permanent solution. This is important when fillings cover raw parts of your tooth that the enamel normally protects, especially if you want to avoid the pain and sensitivity that comes with that exposure.

Like any installed "part," a dental filling can wear out over time. Teeth are living parts of your body that, through re-mineralization and bone growth, regenerate over time despite years of wear and use. Fillings, however, don’t have that ability, and instead can be worn away over the course of several years or less, depending on your habits. As previously mentioned, these fillings can also fall out if they are subjected to a great enough shock, impact, or a person just happens to bite down on the wrong thing in the wrong way. Regular visits to an orthodontist can help people keep track of how their fillings are doing. The professional can check on things and note any problems or signs of wear. Also as mentioned, bacteria can get beneath the filling, especially if wear and tear over time create cracks or faults in the filling that allow bacteria through. Getting your fillings replaced or repaired, therefore, is important to do as soon as any of these faults are detected.

It is common for many people to grind their teeth reflexively. This is usually an unconscious action brought on by high-stress situations or focused concentration. Whatever the case, grinding one's teeth can wear down the fillings prematurely. Teeth grinding or even clenching can also cause cracks in your unprotected teeth, headaches, and jaw pain. If this is happening while you are awake, making a conscious effort to keep your teeth apart can do a great deal in killing the habit. If this happens while you’re asleep, however, then you may need to speak to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Sometimes the act of wearing the guard itself can be enough to teach your jaws to stay apart while sleeping, whereas other times it will simply act as protection that cushions your teeth and jaws when clenching.

Dental fillings are a relatively quick and easy treatment that can repair teeth after damage from cavities or other issues. Experts can make them look and feel like the rest of the tooth, and they can last for many years with proper care. With the proper care and maintenance, tooth fillings can last for a long time and provide necessary protection to your enamel, preserving the tooth itself.