Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
Your complete guide to post-treatment care, ensuring comfort and long-term success after routine dental procedures.
These actions will help manage any sensitivity and protect your dental work.
These activities can cause discomfort or damage new dental work.
After your dental treatment, here's what we recommend to eat or avoid until feeling returns.
These foods are safe to eat while your mouth is still numb.
These items could cause injury while numb.
Once feeling returns, you can eat these foods.
Wait to eat these foods until next day.
Return to normal diet with these foods.
Be mindful with these items.
| Care Aspect | Details | Frequency | Tools/Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Oral Hygiene | Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use mouthwash, and clean all surfaces thoroughly including around fillings and treated areas. | Daily | Fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash |
| Preventive Care | Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and early detection of potential issues. | Every 6 months | Professional dental services |
| Diet & Habits | Limit sugary foods and drinks, avoid hard candies, don't chew ice, and protect teeth during sports activities. | Ongoing | Healthy snacks, sports mouthguard |
| Monitoring | Watch for sensitivity, changes in bite, loose or chipped fillings, and any persistent discomfort. | As needed | Schedule dental visit if concerns arise |
| Product | Brands | What it Takes Care of | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride Toothpaste | Colgate Total, Sensodyne | Cavity prevention | Strengthens enamel and protects against decay. |
| Electric Toothbrush | Oral-B Pro, Philips Sonicare | Thorough cleaning | Provides superior plaque removal and gentle cleaning. |
| Dental Floss | Oral-B Glide, Colgate Total | Between teeth cleaning | Removes plaque and food particles between teeth. |
| Fluoride Mouthwash | ACT, Listerine Total Care | Extra protection | Additional fluoride protection and fresh breath. |
| Sensitivity Toothpaste | Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive | Tooth sensitivity | Helps reduce sensitivity after dental work. |
| Interdental Picks | GUM Soft-Picks, DenTek | Hard-to-reach areas | Cleans between teeth and around dental work. |
| Plaque Disclosing Tablets | GUM Red-Cote, Butler | Plaque detection | Shows areas needing better cleaning attention. |
| Tongue Cleaner | TUNG, BreathRx | Fresh breath | Removes bacteria and food debris from tongue. |
| Water Flosser | Waterpik, Philips Sonicare | Deep cleaning | Effective cleaning around dental work and gums. |
| Xylitol Gum | Ice Breakers, Spry | Cavity prevention | Sugar-free gum that helps prevent cavities. |
| Remineralizing Gel | MI Paste, Clinpro | Enamel protection | Helps strengthen and protect tooth enamel. |
| Travel Dental Kit | Colgate, Oral-B | On-the-go care | Maintains oral hygiene while away from home. |
The numbness from local anesthesia typically lasts 2-4 hours after treatment. During this time, be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lip, and avoid hot foods and drinks as you might not be able to feel temperature properly. Wait until the numbness completely wears off before eating.
For fillings, you can eat and drink once the numbness wears off completely. However, it's best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming very hot or cold items if you experience sensitivity. With cleanings, you can eat and drink right away, though your gums might be tender for a day or two.
Continue your normal brushing routine, but be gentle around treated areas for the first few days. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you had a cleaning, your gums might be sensitive, so brush carefully but thoroughly. For new fillings, maintain good oral hygiene to protect your dental work.
Some sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal after dental work, especially with deep fillings or thorough cleanings. This should improve within a few days. Using sensitivity toothpaste can help. If sensitivity persists or worsens after a week, contact your dentist for a check-up.
With proper care, fillings can last many years. The lifespan depends on the filling material and location, your oral hygiene habits, and diet. Avoid biting hard objects, grinding your teeth, and maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups help monitor your fillings' condition.
Most patients benefit from professional cleanings every six months. However, if you have specific oral health needs, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and detect potential issues early.
Prevent cavities by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary foods and drinks. Use a fluoride mouthwash, consider dental sealants, and maintain regular dental check-ups. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help.
If your bite feels uneven after a filling, this is usually easy to adjust. Contact your dentist for a quick follow-up appointment. They can smooth down high spots and ensure your teeth come together properly. Don't wait if your bite feels uncomfortable, as this can lead to jaw pain or damage to the filling.
Our specialist team is here to help you through your recovery journey.
