Can You Floss After a Filling

Written by Dr. Brian Harris

November 01, 2024

Can you floss after a filling? Yes, you can, but you'll need to be mindful of a few best practices to ensure the longevity of your new filling.

In this article, we'll guide you through the essential do's and don'ts after getting a filling, including how to floss safely and avoid common mistakes.

We'll also cover what types of floss to use, why your teeth may feel sensitive post-filling, and specific dietary precautions to follow.

Let's dive into the specifics!

What this article covers:

Can I Floss After a Filling

Yes, you can, and should, floss after a filling. Flossing plays an important role in maintaining oral hygiene after dental work, as it helps remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth.

However, it's essential to floss carefully around the newly filled tooth to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the filling.

After the procedure, your teeth might be sensitive for a few days. This sensitivity is normal as the tooth adjusts to the filling.

Can I floss after wisdom teeth removal? Based on our observations, it is likely best to delay flossing until the wounds have healed

For a deep clean that's gentle on your filled tooth, the SNOW Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss is an excellent choice. Its plant-based fibers expand to thoroughly clean between teeth while the activated charcoal works to remove stains and detoxify.

Do's and Don'ts After New Dental Fillings

After receiving a new dental filling, it's essential to follow certain do's and don'ts to ensure a smooth recovery and prolong the life of your filling. Taking the right steps can help reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and protect the filled tooth from damage.

can you floss after a filling

Keep It Gentle

As with the answer to “can I floss after deep cleaning?”, one of the most important things you can do after a dental filling is to be gentle with your oral care routine.

Brushing and flossing are essential, but they need to be done delicately. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help protect the newly filled area from unnecessary pressure or abrasion.

Likewise, when flossing, gently slide the floss between your teeth and avoid snapping it, which could disturb the filling.

In addition to careful cleaning, being gentle also applies to how you chew. It's a good idea to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the filling was placed, at least for the first few days.

For gentle yet effective brushing, the SNOW Advanced Whitening Electric Toothbrush is ideal.

Avoid Hard And Sticky Foods

Our findings show that these foods can exert too much pressure on the filling or even dislodge it if it hasn't fully set yet. Similarly, sticky foods like caramels or gum can pull at the filling, potentially loosening it and making it more prone to future decay.

Sticking to softer foods in the days following your procedure can help minimize the risk of complications. Choose foods like soups, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes instead of harder alternatives.

Don't Consume Hot Beverages

After getting a dental filling, it's important to avoid consuming hot beverages, like coffee or tea, for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. The heat from these drinks can exacerbate any sensitivity you might experience. If you crave something warm, opt for lukewarm drinks instead.

why is it hard to floss after filling

To keep your mouth feeling refreshed without sensitivity, the SNOW Arctic Frost teeth whitening mouthwash is a great option. Its alcohol-free formula not only whitens teeth but also ensures that your mouth stays free from bacteria.

Take Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers

Mild discomfort or sensitivity is common after receiving a filling, but you can manage this with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

These medications help reduce inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue and relieve the sensitivity caused by dental work.

Don't Forget To Brush And Floss

While it's important to be gentle, you should not skip brushing and flossing after a filling. Keeping the area around the filling clean is essential to avoid any further buildup of plaque, which can lead to cavities around the new filling.

When it comes to how long should I wait to floss after a crown, a few days suffice.

The SNOW teeth whitening toothpaste is an excellent choice post-filling, combining enamel-strengthening hydroxyapatite with gentle whitening properties.

Can Flossing Damage Your Fillings?

Our findings show that, when done properly, flossing should not damage your fillings. Dental fillings are created to withstand everyday activities like brushing and flossing.

Try the SNOW Charcoal Whitening Floss Picks. These floss picks combine plaque removal with a built-in whitening agent for surface stain reduction, ensuring safe cleaning around your fillings.

Conclusion

There you have it! Flossing is not only safe but essential for protecting your dental health.

With the right technique and precautions, flossing helps maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your filling. However, it's important to keep things gentle, especially in the first few days.

Ready to elevate your oral care routine? Explore our range of SNOW. Whether you're looking for floss, water flossers, or whitening toothpaste, we have the perfect solution for you!

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