Teeth may depreciate either due to cavities, tooth decay, damage, or other reasons that they may need dental fillings. Dental fillings are a part of cosmetic and general dentistry that aim to improve a tooth’s structure and functionality. So, what are they, and what are the best ways to care for them to ensure longer use and better oral health? Below, we discover the multiple ways to care for your dental fillings.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are made of composite material made of either porcelain, gold, or silver amalgam and are used to fill decayed, broken, or damaged teeth in the jawline. They may be made of several materials that help reconfigure and restructure the tooth’s makeup, structure, and functionality. However, today there are more materials to fill teeth like temporary filings, glass-ionomer cement (tooth color matching), and composite resin that are all crucial in rebuilding teeth’s structure and shape after damage and decay. There are different benefits of each filing and longevity ability.
What Are the Standard Ways to Keep and Care for Dental Fillings?
– Brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When you brush with tooth-friendly and gum-protective toothbrushes and toothpaste, you enhance overall tooth health and hygiene. Fluoride balances the mineral content of the enamel and helps reverse early signs of tooth decay. This saves you from severe gingivitis and periodontitis.
– Regularly flossing the mouth for residues of food and other substances. Flossing has multiple benefits, like completely dislodging any food remnants, reducing the possibility of cavities, swelling or soreness in the gums, bad breath, and plaque, and maintaining the highest levels of oral health. Besides, when you floss, you indirectly prevent other diseases from cropping up as a result of tartar and plaque.
– Going for regular dental checkups and evaluations. Regular dental checks have the effect of enhancing the quality and condition of your oral health. Dentists can easily spot areas of concern and provide remedial measures in advance.
– Avoid extra-hard foods, objects, and substances that may affect the filling. Hard foods are difficult to chew for fresh fillings as they need strengthening and firming.
– Always eat a balanced diet rich in vital nutrients. A balanced diet is always good for your teeth, as they have living tissues like the gums and enamels to nourish. Eating legumes, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein enhances the quality of your oral health.
– Don’t keep grinding your teeth against each other as you create friction. When you grind your teeth often, you create tooth sensitivity, wear down filings, gum recession, painful jaws, headaches, and affect dental treatments and procedures.
– Stop lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol that affect tooth health. The added effects of smoking and alcohol wear down sensitive parts of the teeth. They affect gums, and the teeth progressively become stained and damaged.
Besides, restrain from excessive tea, coffee, wine, heavily fried foods, and carbonated drinks. It must be noted that they stain and aggravate tooth depreciation. They must be taken in moderation with instant teeth cleaning and flossing.