Dentists perform dental cleaning to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. A dental cleaning procedure is more intensive than your daily oral hygiene routine.
Read on to find out why aftercare is necessary after a dental cleaning. The following also explains how to care for your teeth after professional teeth cleaning.
Dentists advise their patients to be gentle when they brush their teeth. They also advise the use of a toothbrush with flexible bristles. The idea is to prevent tooth sensitivity, erosion of the enamel, and injury to the gums.
A dentist will have the same considerations when they clean the patient’s teeth. As a precaution, the dentist will first perform an exhaustive exam that screens for different types of oral health problems. They will then proceed with teeth cleaning.
The dentist will need to use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar. Vibration from the electric scaler may cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Next, the dentist will polish the teeth with gritty toothpaste and an electric brush, which could also cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Lastly, the dentist will floss between the patient’s teeth. This action could cause soreness and slight bleeding of the gums, especially for those who do not floss at home. The dentist will conclude the cleaning with an application of topical fluoride and dental sealant.
The effects of these steps warrant aftercare that provides relief from tooth sensitivity. Here is how to care for the teeth after a dental cleaning.
The dentist may advise their patient to take over-the-counter pain medication before and after the teeth cleaning procedure. They might also apply topical anesthetic to the gums before they clean the patient’s teeth.
Patients should limit their diet to soft foods for 24 hours following a deep clean of the teeth. If the sensitivity persists past the first 24 hours, stick with soft foods for 48 hours.
It also helps to avoid hot foods, which will cause discomfort and dissolve the topical fluoride before it bonds to the enamel. Lastly, avoid popcorn and other crunchy foods that could irritate the gums. Do not consume these kinds of foods for at least a few days after getting teeth cleaned.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush the teeth after meals. It is okay to skip flossing in the first 24 hours after a deep clean. Resume flossing as soon as the tenderness in the gums subsides. This should happen within 48 hours.
To make the most out of a deep teeth cleaning, make it a point to minimize or moderate the intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fizzy drinks. Smokers should make efforts to break the habit. Last but not least, stick to a strict oral hygiene routine that involves brushing twice a day and flossing once.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Agoura Hills, CA
Regular and professional dental cleanings go a long way when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. Our practice offers preventative and restorative dental care that ensures every aspect of your oral health. If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, make plans to meet with our dentist.
Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
Curious about what happens during a teeth cleaning at a general dentistry office? Read on to learn more about what to expect during a professional dental cleaning. You may be aware that the dentist cleans your teeth and examines your mouth for signs of oral issues, but you might not know the exact steps involved.…
If you're looking to maintain healthy gums, consider scheduling regular dental cleaning as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. This will help you avoid gum disease, which can be caused by bacteria building up around your teeth and gums and can lead to tooth loss and even heart problems if left untreated. These seven…
Visiting the dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning is not something that most people anticipate cheerfully. Continue reading to learn about the importance of dental cleanings. The well-being of your teeth, mouth, and gums will be jeopardized if you skip your bi-annual dentist appointments. Going in for a checkup and cleanings twice a year…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that dentists recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why this is so. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different?Brushing your teeth is a…
Tooth extraction can be an intimidating prospect, but when recommended, it is a necessary step for maintaining good oral health. This routine procedure removes a severely decayed, damaged, or crowded tooth, alleviating pain and discomfort. Understanding the extraction process and how to recover effectively afterward can make the whole experience much smoother.A general dentist will…