How to Make Your Fillings Last Longer

Protect Your Smile and Your Investment with Proper Filling Care

Got a cavity filled recently? Whether it’s your first filling or your fifth, knowing how to make your fillings last longer is crucial. Fillings may not last forever, but with the right care, they can stay strong and functional for 10 years or more—and at Aleris Salem Dental Center, we want every patient to get the best return on their dental treatment.

This guide will show you how to maintain dental fillings, extend their lifespan, and avoid premature replacements. Let’s keep your smile beautiful and your bite strong for years to come.

How Long Do Fillings Typically Last?

The lifespan of a filling depends on several factors—especially material type and oral care habits. Here's a general breakdown:

• Composite fillings (tooth-colored): 5–10 years

• Amalgam fillings (silver): 10–15 years

• Gold fillings: 15–30 years

• Ceramic fillings: Up to 15 years

  
  

But here’s the good news—with proper maintenance, you can often stretch that timeline significantly, especially with composite materials commonly used today.

Top Tips to Make Your Fillings Last Longer

1. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene Daily

This is non-negotiable. Good oral hygiene helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to secondary decay around the filling.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss daily to clean between and around filled teeth

• Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash

Pro Tip: Ask our hygienists at your next dental cleaning for tips tailored to your filling type.

2. Watch What You Eat (and How You Bite)

Fillings can crack, chip, or loosen under pressure—especially if you bite down on hard or sticky foods.

Avoid frequently consuming:

• Ice cubes

• Hard candies or popcorn kernels

• Chewy/sticky foods like caramel or gum

• Excessive sugar, which can feed decay-causing bacteria

  
  

If you clench or grind your teeth (a condition known as bruxism), ask about a night guard to protect your fillings and natural teeth.

3. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Many filling issues start small—too small for you to feel or see. At Aleris Salem Dental Center, we check all existing fillings during routine exams to spot early signs of:

• Wear and tear

• Leaking or loosening

• Secondary cavities

• Cracks or fractures

  
  

Visiting us every six months allows us to catch and fix small problems early, before they become costly.

Book your checkup now and protect your fillings and overall oral health.

4. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

We’ve all been guilty at some point—ripping open a bag with your teeth or holding something between your molars. These habits may seem harmless but can wreak havoc on your dental restorations, including fillings.

If you need to cut, twist, or open something—use scissors, not your smile.

5. Limit Acidic and Staining Beverages

Acidic drinks like soda, citrus juices, and sports drinks can wear down the material around your filling and erode enamel. Over time, this makes the tooth more vulnerable to decay and damage.

Staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can also discolor composite fillings, making them more noticeable.

Try to:

• Drink acidic beverages through a straw

• Rinse your mouth with water afterward

• Limit your overall intake

  
  

6. Address Any Pain or Sensitivity Promptly

A properly placed filling shouldn’t cause long-term discomfort. If you experience:

• Sensitivity to pressure, hot, or cold

• A sharp pain when chewing

• A rough or cracked spot on your filling

… it's time to call your dentist. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to filling failure or the need for more extensive treatment like a crown or root canal.

What Causes Fillings to Fail?

Even with proper care, fillings may eventually need replacement due to:

• Wear from chewing or grinding

• Decay around the edges of the filling

• Fractures or cracks

• Improper bite alignment

• Material breakdown over time

When fillings do fail, prompt replacement is key to preventing further damage to the tooth structure.

When to Replace a Filling

Your dentist will determine if and when a filling needs to be replaced based on:

• Visual and X-ray exams

• Patient-reported symptoms

• The age and condition of the filling

If you’ve had your filling for more than 8–10 years, it’s wise to discuss its status at your next visit—even if you aren’t feeling pain.

Aleris Salem Dental Center: Your Partner in Filling Longevity

At Aleris Salem Dental Center, we combine modern materials with precise technique to ensure your fillings are built to last. And we don’t stop there—we give you the tools and education to maintain those restorations for as long as possible. From routine checkups to custom bite guards and dietary guidance, our team is here to protect your investment in your smile.

Treat Your Fillings Like the Valuable Restorations They Are

Dental fillings are an essential part of tooth preservation—but they need your help to go the distance. By following these simple tips and maintaining a relationship with your dentist, you can extend the life of your fillings and prevent unnecessary replacements.

Call Aleris Salem Dental Center today at (855) 745-0055 or schedule an appointment online to make sure your fillings—and your smile—are in top shape.