It’s only natural to start panicking if you notice that your filling has fallen out. However, you should know that it happens to many people, it’s very normal, and it’s definitely not an emergency.
Why Did My Filling Fall Out?
It’s not necessary that your filling fell out because of something that you did. There are many reasons why your filling might have fallen out. One reason is that, with time, the filling gets loose. The size of the filling, its location in the mouth, and your oral hygiene can determine how long filling lasts. However, if you do things right, your filling can last for more than a decade. Still, fillings aren’t permanent, and you should expect them to fall out one time or another.
The simple action of chewing and saliva washing on the fillings can loosen them up. You should know that biting down on hard foods can cause your filling to loosen sooner rather than later. If you are eating hard foods such as nuts and apples, etc. just try to eat it from the other side of the mouth that doesn’t have fillings, if possible. Hard food can damage the filling and result in them becoming loose.
Another reason why your filling might have fallen out is decay. As a tooth decays, it changes its shape. The area that the filling was initially covering might be damaged due to decay. This can easily make the filling fall out as it cannot hold onto the tooth anymore. People who are in the habit of gnashing their teeth or clenching their jaw are also at a greater risk of having their filling fall out.
How Should I Protect My Tooth After the Filling Has Fallen Out?
After your filling has fallen out, you know that your tooth is exposed. It can easily allow the entry of bacteria and food particles which can cause an infection. You’ll notice that your filling has fallen out because of the sensitivity of your tooth to air and extreme temperatures. You might also feel pain in the area for which you can take a painkiller.
If your filling has fallen out while you were brushing your teeth or eating food, simply take it out of your mouth to avoid swallowing. Dental cement or denture adhesive can make it stick to your tooth temporarily. Eventually, you’ll need to go and see a dentist. Try to buy dental wax from a local pharmacy to cover the tooth opening. If that’s not possible, you can try putting some clove oil in the area. It can slightly help with the pain. Importantly, when you’re brushing, apply the gentlest pressure, and use mouthwash afterwards.
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