Numbness and Eating
Short answer. Numbness eating after filling is mainly a safety issue: you cannot feel your cheek, lip or tongue, so it is easy to bite them without noticing. Waiting until normal feeling returns before chewing solid food is the usual advice, and your dentist can tell you how long your own numbness may last.
- Numb tissue cannot warn you when you are biting it.
- Wait for normal feeling before chewing real food.
- Soft, lukewarm foods are easier when you do need to eat.
- Chew on the side that was not treated at first if you are unsure.
- Ask your dentist when it is safe to eat before you leave the appointment.
Why numbness changes how you should eat
Local anesthetic blocks the nerves that carry pain, touch and temperature. That is helpful during treatment, but afterward it means your lip, cheek and tongue may be unable to tell you when they are caught between your teeth. A bite that would normally hurt right away can go unnoticed until the feeling returns.
The result is a sore spot, or even a small wound, that shows up hours later. Because the injury happens quietly, the sensible habit is to avoid chewing until you can feel the area again.
How long does it last?
There is no single answer. Numbness often fades within a few hours, but the length depends on the type and amount of anesthetic, the area treated and the person. Some people feel normal sooner, others notice a tingling or heavy sensation for longer.
A practical test is to touch the area gently and sip a lukewarm drink. If you cannot feel the glass on your lip or the liquid on your cheek, it is probably too soon to eat. If you are concerned that the numbness is lasting much longer than your dentist described, call the office.
What to eat and drink in the meantime
If you cannot wait, choose foods that need little chewing and are neither hot nor cold. Since you cannot judge temperature well, very hot soup or coffee can burn numb tissue without you noticing.
Once feeling returns, you can move back toward your usual meals. Your dentist may have specific advice depending on the material used, so follow that first.
- Yogurt, smooth soups or mashed vegetables served lukewarm
- Scrambled eggs or soft pasta
- Avoid very hot drinks until you can feel your lips
- Skip nuts, chewy candy and crusty bread for now
- Do not chew gum while numb
Protecting your cheek, lip and tongue
Children and adults alike sometimes bite or chew the numb area without realizing. If you tend to worry at your cheek with your teeth, try to stay aware of it, and avoid testing the area with your tongue or teeth.
If you do find a sore spot later, it usually looks like a small raw patch. Keep it clean with gentle brushing around it. A mouth sore that does not heal should be looked at by a dentist or doctor.
Eating again, and your dental work
Even after the numbness is gone, the treated tooth may feel unfamiliar. Starting on the opposite side of your mouth is a reasonable way to ease in, and it also lets you notice whether the bite feels right.
Adults who also have braces, aligners or crowns should check whether any appliance needs to be out while eating, and clean around everything as usual. The basics stay the same: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day.
Some readers wonder about supplements. One example is ProDentim, a chewable oral probiotic as the seller sells it, which the seller says contains a total of 3.5 billion probiotic organisms from three named strains. Those claims have not been verified here, research on oral probiotics is still early and mixed, and it is no substitute for the habits above. Anyone pregnant, nursing, taking medicines or with a medical condition should ask a dentist, doctor or pharmacist first.
Questions readers ask
Can I drink water while I am still numb?
Usually yes, in small sips, but be careful because you may not feel the liquid and could dribble. Lukewarm water is a safer choice than anything hot.
What if I bit my cheek while numb?
Rinse gently and avoid rubbing or chewing on that spot. If it does not heal or becomes very painful, contact your dentist.
Does the type of filling change when I can eat?
It can, depending on the material and how it sets. Your dentist will tell you if there is any waiting time or food restriction for your filling.
My numbness feels like it has lasted too long. Should I wait?
If it is clearly beyond what your dentist described, or if you notice weakness or other unusual symptoms, call the dental office or a doctor rather than waiting.
Talk to a professional. Persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, loose teeth or sores that do not heal need a dentist's attention, not a supplement.