Eating After a Filling: When It's Safe & What to Avoid

One of the most common questions patients ask after having a filling is: "When can I eat?" It is a perfectly reasonable concern — and the answer depends on several factors, including the type of filling material used, whether local anaesthetic was administered, and your own individual comfort. This guide walks you through what to expect, which foods are sensible choices in the first day or two, and how to look after your filling so it serves you well. This information is intended as general guidance and does not replace personalised advice from your dentist.

When Can You Eat After a Dental Filling?

Why numbness matters

If local anaesthetic was used during your dental fillings in London appointment, the most important factor in deciding when to eat is whether the numbness has fully worn off. While your lip, cheek or tongue is still numb, you are at risk of accidentally biting down on soft tissue without realising it — which can cause discomfort or injury once sensation returns.

Numbness from local anaesthetic typically fades within one to three hours, although this varies from person to person. Some patients regain sensation quickly; others find it takes a little longer. There is no need to rush — simply wait until you can feel your lips, tongue and cheeks normally before sitting down to eat.

General guidance once sensation returns

Once numbness has worn off, you are generally safe to eat. However, it is sensible to start with softer foods and to chew gently, particularly on or around the tooth that was filled. If the tooth feels at all tender, ease back into your normal diet gradually rather than jumping straight into a full meal. Everyone responds a little differently after treatment, and taking a gentle approach for the first day or so is a reasonable precaution.

Temporary comfort vs full set time

It is worth understanding that while a filling may feel firm and comfortable quite soon after placement, the material and the bond to the tooth continue to settle over the following hours. This does not mean you cannot eat — but it does mean that being cautious with very hard or sticky foods in the first 24 hours is a sensible idea, regardless of the filling type.

Does the Type of Filling Affect When You Can Eat?

Composite (tooth-coloured) fillings

Composite fillings are cured (hardened) with a special light during the procedure, which means the material is set by the time you leave the dental chair. In most cases, there is no need to wait beyond the wearing off of anaesthetic before eating. That said, some patients find the tooth feels slightly sensitive to pressure initially, so being gentle for the first few hours is still advisable.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam (silver-coloured) fillings take longer to reach their full hardness — often several hours after placement. Your dentist may advise waiting a little longer before eating on that side, and recommend softer foods for the remainder of the day. Following this guidance helps protect the filling while it sets fully.

Temporary fillings

Temporary fillings are designed as short-term solutions, often placed between appointments. They are not as strong or durable as permanent fillings, and usually take longer to set. Your dentist will typically advise waiting at least one to two hours before eating, and suggest chewing on the opposite side. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage the temporary material before your follow-up visit.

What Foods Are Safe to Eat After a Filling?

Soft foods and gentle textures

In the hours following your filling, soft foods are your safest option. Good choices include:

• Scrambled eggs or a soft omelette
• Yoghurt or smooth porridge
• Mashed potato or soft pasta
• Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
• Soft bread or a banana
• Smoothies (avoiding very cold temperatures if sensitivity is present)

These options allow you to eat comfortably without placing unnecessary stress on the newly filled tooth.

Lukewarm options

Temperature sensitivity is common after a filling, particularly with deeper restorations. Sticking to lukewarm food and drinks for the first day or two can help you avoid triggering any temporary sensitivity. Once the tooth settles, you can gradually reintroduce hotter and colder items as comfort allows.

Chewing on the opposite side initially

If the filling was placed on one side of your mouth, you may find it more comfortable to chew on the other side for the first day. This gives the tooth a brief rest and reduces the chance of biting down hard on a surface that may still be slightly tender. Gradually shift back to chewing normally as the tooth feels more settled.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid After a Filling

Hard or sticky foods

For the first 24 hours or so, it is sensible to steer clear of foods that are particularly hard or sticky. Items such as toffees, chewy sweets, hard nuts, crusty bread rolls, raw carrots and ice cubes can place excessive force on the new filling or, in the case of sticky foods, pull at the restoration before it has had time to fully bond. This applies to all filling types, but is especially important with amalgam and temporary fillings.

Very hot or cold items

Extreme temperatures can trigger sensitivity in a recently filled tooth. Very hot coffee, tea or soup — and very cold items like ice cream, iced drinks or ice lollies — are best avoided initially. Lukewarm or room-temperature choices are kinder to the tooth while it settles.

Sugary snacks immediately after treatment

While sugar will not damage the filling material itself, consuming sugary snacks shortly after a filling is not ideal. The area around the filled tooth may be slightly more vulnerable in the first few hours, and sugar feeds the bacteria that contribute to further decay. Maintaining a balanced diet and good oral hygiene is the best way to support the longevity of any filling.

Is Sensitivity Normal After Eating?

Mild tenderness or pressure sensitivity

It is quite common to notice some tenderness when biting or chewing on a newly filled tooth, particularly in the first few days. This is usually a sign that the nerve within the tooth is settling after treatment — not an indication that something has gone wrong. Deeper fillings, where the cavity extended closer to the nerve, may produce more noticeable tenderness that takes a little longer to resolve.

Temperature sensitivity

Brief twinges in response to hot or cold food and drink are among the most frequently reported sensations after a filling. This type of sensitivity tends to be short-lived and usually improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help during this period.

When sensations usually settle

Most patients find that any post-filling sensitivity improves steadily over the first week or two. For deeper fillings, the settling period may extend a little longer. The important thing is that the trend should be towards improvement. If sensitivity is mild and gradually fading, that is generally reassuring. If it is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by sharp pain, it is worth seeking advice from your dentist. Attending regular dental hygienist in London appointments also helps support the long-term health of filled teeth.

Tips to Eat Comfortably After a Filling

Waiting until numbness fades

This is the single most important step. While your mouth is still numb, you cannot accurately judge how hard you are biting or whether food is too hot. Wait until full sensation has returned before eating. If you are feeling hungry and numbness is taking a while to wear off, sipping a lukewarm drink or having a smooth yoghurt can help bridge the gap.

Taking smaller bites

Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly reduces the force on the filling and helps you monitor comfort as you eat. This is particularly helpful in the first day or two, when the tooth may be slightly more sensitive than usual. There is no need to maintain this approach long-term — it is simply a gentle transition back to normal eating.

Maintaining gentle oral hygiene

Continue brushing your teeth as normal after a filling, but be gentle around the treated tooth for the first day if it feels tender. Flossing and interdental cleaning should also continue — keeping the area clean is one of the best things you can do to support healing and prevent further decay around the filling.

When Should You Contact the Dentist?

While some sensitivity and tenderness are perfectly normal, there are certain signs that suggest it may be worth having the filling checked:

• Persistent pain when biting: If biting down on the filled tooth causes a sharp or consistent pain that is not improving after several days, the filling may need a small bite adjustment. This is a straightforward procedure and is nothing to worry about.
• A rough or uneven feeling: If the filling feels rough to your tongue, or if your bite feels uneven when you close your teeth together, your dentist can smooth or adjust the surface quickly.
• Ongoing sensitivity: Mild sensitivity that gradually improves is normal. However, if sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, worsens, or changes in character — for example, becoming a throbbing ache — it is important to seek a professional opinion.

If you are experiencing discomfort that concerns you, do not hesitate to get in touch. It is always better to have a filling reviewed and receive reassurance than to wait and worry. If you need urgent dental advice London, our team is here to help.

Had a Filling Done in London?

If you have recently had a filling at our clinic — or elsewhere — and you have questions about your aftercare, we are always happy to help. Every patient is different, and the best advice takes into account the type of filling placed, the location and depth of the restoration, and your individual comfort levels. We encourage patients to reach out if anything feels uncertain, rather than worrying or searching for answers online.

Regular dental check-up in London appointments are also an important part of looking after your fillings long-term. Your dentist can monitor existing restorations, identify any early signs of wear, and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.

If you would like personalised aftercare advice or are due for a routine check, you are welcome to book a dental appointment London. Our team at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in South Kensington is here to support you with thoughtful, patient-first care — with clear answers to your questions and treatment tailored to your individual needs.