I am writing about an increase in cavities and pain after new fillings. My third child was born in December 2020. And within a few months, I began feeling severe pain whenever I ate anything sweet. When I went to the dentist, she found two cavities. My dentist placed composite fillings. In March, after my dental appointment, my dentist found four more cavities. Two fillings are fine, but I still have pain when chewing with the other two.  My teeth ache sometimes. My dentist checked by bite, which she says is fine. She offered to replace the fillings. And she mentioned that the teeth might be cracked. Why would formerly healthy teeth be cracked? I had no issues before delivering my baby in December, and now I have multiple cavities that seem to be increasing. I brush my teeth at least twice daily and at least once daily. Why is this happening? Do I need to find a dentist who specializes in fillings? But aren’t fillings basic treatment? My anxiety is increasing with so many dental appointments. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Kashvi from GA

Kashvi,

Although filling teeth is not a specialty, your dentist’s technique with composite fillings might be faulty. Dr. Lacy would need to examine your teeth and fillings, but we can offer some insight.

Pregnancy and Cavities

Pregnant women can experience tooth decay and cavities for several reasons:

• Hormonal changes – As your hormones fluctuate, it can increase the risk of gum disease. And gum infection can promote tooth decay and lead to more cavities.
• Increased eating – Some women eat more during pregnancy. Frequent eating or snacking increases bacteria on teeth and promotes decay. Rinse your mouth well after eating and brush your teeth more frequently—but not excessively.
• Morning sickness – Stomach acid from vomiting can erode tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth well and drink plenty of water.

Pain When Chewing on a New Filling

If you have pain when chewing—not biting—on a new filling, it is usually a problem with how the dentist bonded the filling. Your pain will probably resolve if a dentist removes the fillings and bonds them properly. But take care of it promptly. Pain when biting on a new filling would have a different cause.

Pain with Multiple Tooth Fillings

When multiple tooth fillings are painful, your dentist does not understand how to place or bond the filling completely. Amalgam fillings are easier to place than white fillings and require less skill. But composite fillings require advanced training to place and bond so they will last without causing discomfort.

Many dental schools still teach students to place amalgam fillings on back teeth. After dental school, a dentist must pursue continuing education to understand composite bonding and do it well. But some dentists try to use the techniques they learned for amalgam fillings when placing composite fillings. And it just does not work.

Schedule a Second Opinion

Look for a cosmetic dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Check a few dentists’ websites for their credentials. After a consultation and examination, a cosmetic dentist will explain your options for replacing or re-bonding your fillings and relieving your pain. If your anxiety level remains high, speak with the dentist about your options for sedation.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a Plano, TX female dentist, sponsors this post.