Fillings are used to repair a cavity in your tooth caused by decay. Your dentist will offer you the type of filling most appropriate for your clinical needs.
Fillings can be made of:
Amalgam (silver-coloured) – a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper
Composite (tooth-coloured) – powdered glass and ceramic added to a resin base
Glass Ionomer (tooth-coloured) – powdered glass, which reacts chemically with your tooth and bonds to it, but it is weak so is only used on baby (first) teeth, around the sides of teeth, or as a temporary filling
The advice given below has been published by the Department of Health following extensive research and discussion with experts in preventive dentistry and health promotion.
Dental Decay is caused by frequency of sugar intake.
The prevention of decay can be achieved by:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste (1350ppm fluoride or above)
- Brushing last thing at night and on one other occasion
- Spitting out after brushing and not rinsing
- Reducing the frequency and amount of sugary foods and drinks consumed