A dental filling is a common restorative procedure used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or trauma, restoring its shape and function. For many people, returning to normal habits, like chewing gum, is a primary concern after leaving the dentist’s office. Whether it is safe to chew gum soon after receiving a filling depends on the material used and the time passed since the procedure. Understanding the differences between filling materials and the physical forces at play is important for protecting your new dental work.
The Immediate Risk: Forces Acting on a New Filling
Chewing gum introduces two significant types of stress that can compromise a new filling: adhesive force and masticatory force. The sticky nature of gum creates an adhesive bond with the filling material. This pulling force, especially from a fresh or not fully bonded material, can physically lift the restoration out of the prepared tooth cavity.
The mechanical stress of chewing, known as masticatory force, also places immense pressure on the newly repaired tooth. Forces can cause material that has not reached its maximum hardness to fracture or shift. This stress can break the seal at the filling margins—the edges where the restoration meets the natural tooth structure. Seal failure allows bacteria to seep underneath the filling, potentially leading to new decay or sensitivity.
Timing is Everything: Material Differences in Setting
The material used for the restoration is the most important factor in determining when you can safely chew gum. The two most common materials, composite resin and silver amalgam, have vastly different setting times.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored and hardened instantly using a special blue light (light-curing). The material is fully set and strong before you leave the dental chair, allowing it to withstand chewing forces immediately. However, dentists advise waiting until the local anesthetic has completely worn off, typically one to three hours, before chewing anything. This precaution prevents you from accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue while the area is still numb.
Amalgam Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings are metal-based and harden through a slower chemical reaction. While they achieve initial strength quickly, amalgam restorations require a full 24 hours to reach their maximum compressive strength and fully set. During this 24-hour period, avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the amalgam filling was placed. Chewing gum is risky, as significant force can displace or weaken the material. Following the prescribed waiting period ensures the filling bonds correctly.
Beyond Timing: Choosing Safer Gum
Once the appropriate setting time has passed, you can return to chewing gum, but the choice of gum still matters for the long-term health of your restoration. Opting for sugar-free gum is better for oral health because the sweeteners do not feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Gums containing xylitol or erythritol are preferred, as these ingredients inhibit harmful bacteria and promote saliva flow, which helps neutralize mouth acids.
Avoid any gum that is excessively sticky or hard, even long after the filling has set. Extra-sticky gums place pulling stress on the edges of the restoration, while hard gums can contribute to hairline fractures in the filling or surrounding tooth structure. Selecting a soft, sugar-free gum is the most practical choice for minimizing risk to your dental work.
What To Do If Your Filling Feels Loose
If you chew gum prematurely or feel a sudden change in a newly filled tooth, act quickly to prevent further damage. Stop all chewing immediately and gently check the area with your tongue, avoiding probing or picking at the filling. Contact your dentist right away, explaining that you suspect your new filling is loose or has come out, and mention the type of filling material you received. While waiting for your emergency appointment, you can take temporary measures to protect the exposed tooth.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce irritation.
- Cover the exposed area with dental wax, available at most pharmacies, to shield the tooth from temperature sensitivity and reduce friction.
Continue to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the dentist can examine and repair the restoration.