Can I Eat Rice After a Tooth Filling?

This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer!

Dental fillings are a common procedure for treating cavities. After the procedure, patients often have questions regarding what they can and cannot eat. Let’s find out whether or not you can eat rice after getting a tooth filling.

What is Tooth Filling Procedure

The procedure of a dental filling is used to repair decay in your teeth, as a form of restorative dental treatment. The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They will then remove the decayed portion and clean the area thoroughly. After that, a filling material is applied to the cavity to prevent further decay and restore the tooth’s function.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, it’s important to exercise caution with what you eat to ensure proper healing and to avoid dislodging the new filling.
Here are some points to consider:

• Waiting Period: It is advisable to avoid eating anything until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Eating while your mouth is numb can lead to accidentally biting your tongue or the inside of your cheeks.
• Temperature Sensitivity: After a filling, your tooth may be more sensitive to hot and cold. It is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first 24 hours.
• Eating Soft Foods: It’s recommended to stick to soft foods for the first few hours after a filling. This helps in minimizing pressure on the new filling during the initial stages.

Can You Eat Rice After a Tooth Filling?

Yes, you can eat rice after a tooth filling, but with some precautions:

• Wait for Numbness to Subside: As mentioned earlier, wait until the numbness in your mouth has worn off before attempting to eat.
• Choose Soft Rice: Make sure that the rice is cooked well, so it’s soft. Avoid fried rice or any hard, crunchy variations.
• Be Mindful of Temperature: Ensure that the rice is not too hot. It’s best to let it cool to a lukewarm temperature to avoid sensitivity issues.
• Chew Carefully: Try to chew on the side of your mouth that didn’t receive the filling. This can help avoid any pressure or discomfort on the newly filled tooth.
• Avoid Mixing with Hard Foods: Don’t mix the rice with any hard foods that could put pressure on the new filling. Stick to soft accompaniments.

Cleaning After Eating

After you have eaten rice or any other food, it is important to keep your mouth clean. Rinse your mouth with water to make sure no food particles are stuck near the filling. Remember that rice is mostly made of simple carbohydrates that will feed you cavity-causing bacteria, so it is always a good idea to remove rice from between your teeth. The best tool for that job is a water flosser (waterpik device) but classic string floss should be a good alternative on the go.

Final thoughts

Your dentist knows your oral health the best. Always follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your dentist and don’t hesitate to ask them any questions about what you can eat. Keep in mind that frequent rice consumption, especially if it’s not removed from between the teeth right after the meal may cause an increased incidence of tooth decay!

Bottom Line

Eating rice after getting a tooth filling is generally safe, but it’s important to take certain precautions. Make sure the rice is soft, not too hot, and chew carefully. Most importantly, follow the advice and instructions provided by your dentist to ensure proper healing and care for your new filling.

This Q&A series article is complete and was published on July 23, 2023, and last updated on July 23, 2023.