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 Hemet, 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 Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at 951-707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
If you need to get your teeth cleaned regularly, you probably know that the dental cleaning process itself isn’t exactly fun. Still, it’s worth enduring these uncomfortable moments in order to protect your smile and keep your mouth clean and healthy. If you’re getting your teeth cleaned regularly or if you just want to learn…
Teeth cleaning is not something everyone is excited about. Most people find the noises, prodding, and discomfort unnecessary for dental health. That is why it is easy for them to cancel dental appointments. The dentist will clean your teeth during your dental exam. If you want to know what to expect during a dental exam…
Have a dental cleaning appointment coming up? Read on to learn about what to expect. Every patient may have a unique experience with their dental cleaning depending on the status of their oral health and the preferred process of the dentist or hygienist that performs the cleaning. However, there are certain steps that are to…
Missing even a single tooth can have an impact on a person’s ability to pronounce many words. A partial denture for one missing tooth can help restore clear diction and relieve the embarrassment that can result when listeners have to ask you to repeat yourself. At first, speaking with a new denture can seem strange…
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…