4 Aftercare Tips for Dental Fillings for Kids

Getting dental fillings for kids is a basic dental procedure. For most people, it causes minimal discomfort. Adults often resume normal activities immediately after the treatment. However, children may need a little more time before they feel back to normal. You have to provide them with more care, especially if this is their first filling treatment. If you want to find out the four top aftercare tips for dental fillings for kids, here are the details.

1. Paying attention to what the child feels

The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth before the filling treatment. This will last for at least one to three hours after the child gets dental fillings. The parent should ask the child now and again if the numbness has faded. Eating and drinking should only take place after the anesthetics stop working. This will prevent injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue and the inner lining of the cheeks.

The child may feel some mild pain after the treatment. The dentist may prescribe the right pain medication based on the child’s health and medical history. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage it. Asking the child where the pain is coming from can determine if the pain is from the treated tooth or another tooth developing a cavity. Pain from the filled tooth will fade in about one to two weeks.

The child may also describe the bite to be a little different. This is a normal sensation. Asking the child about the bite a few days after the treatment is important. The dentist may need to adjust the dental fillings for kids more.

2. Stopping bruxism

Bruxism is teeth grinding. Many kids form this habit. Most of them do not know they are doing it. Some do it on purpose.

This habit wears down the chewing surfaces of teeth. The constant pressure could crack or chip the dental fillings for kids. Getting a mouth guard for the child can help prevent damage to the fillings. It could even protect the neighboring healthy teeth.

3. Keeping up with daily oral hygiene

Dental fillings for kids are necessary to prevent the cavities from getting bigger. Keeping the child’s teeth clean every day is important. Proper brushing and flossing can keep bacteria and plaque away from the teeth. Helping the child brush gently after the appointment helps keep the filling intact. Brushing teeth for two minutes, at least twice each day, and flossing before bed should be a routine. The longevity of the dental fillings for kids will depend on how much care the child’s teeth get.

Most children cannot brush the right way. Parents must supervise or guide the children, especially when cleaning the back teeth. Gentle brushing of the dental fillings can keep the filling material intact. Hard brushing must not be encouraged. Flossing should be careful as well. The threads could lift off the dental fillings for kids.

4. Modifying the child’s diet

It is important to keep an eye on the family’s food and beverage choices. This can help prevent more cavities from developing. Sugary beverages and sticky candies are some of the worst culprits when it comes to cavities. Limiting these as much as possible or avoiding them altogether may be difficult, but it is necessary. Encouraging the child to rinse or brush immediately after enjoying treats will help prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.

Eating soft foods after the anesthetic fades is important. This will prevent the child from using the treated tooth right away. It will also prevent the treated tooth from receiving too much bite force. Yogurt, soup, smoothies, oatmeal, and applesauce are nutritious soft foods to consider.

Staining, sugary, and acidic drinks should be off the grocery list. Rinsing the mouth after drinking some of these beverages should be a habit. Avoiding chewy and sticky foods can help keep the fillings intact. Serving room temperature foods can help prevent tooth sensitivity. The material used for the dental fillings for kids may dictate what the child could eat in the following weeks. Solid food would have to wait until a day after the treatment.

Your child needs more care and attention after getting dental fillings for kids

Proper aftercare is necessary to keep your child’s new fillings intact. It may be tempting to give solid food to your child after the treatment, but you should wait until a day after. Soft, room-temperature foods are ideal for new fillings. Seeing your dentist for routine checks can help keep the dental fillings for kids stay on longer.

Are you considering getting dental fillings for kids in the Long Beach area? Get more information at https://paramountdentalspecialty.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings for Kids in Long Beach, CA.