Gum disease is a widespread dental problem that starts as mildly irritated gums but can eventually result in tooth loss. Untreated gum disease is a major problem, yet it’s much easier to treat in its earliest stages. Deep cleaning at your dentist can do wonders to help prevent gum disease. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about deep cleaning teeth aftercare.
Deep Cleaning – A Valuable Treatment To Stop Gum Disease
In early to moderate cases of gum disease, the deep cleaning procedure (also known as scaling and root planning) is used to remove plaque from the teeth all the way down to the roots. This is highly effective at stopping gum disease from spreading, ensuring that your teeth are completely clean and free from bacteria. Deep cleaning is a non-surgical solution to this all too common dental problem.
Deep Cleaning Teeth Aftercare Tips
Follow these tips to help ensure a quick recovery after a deep cleaning:
Don’t eat until the numbness has left your mouth.
Many patients don’t eat before their dental appointment, which means it can be tempting to have breakfast or lunch as soon as you leave the office. If you’ve just had a procedure involving an anesthetic, however, it’s important to wait until you can feel every part of your mouth again before eating. That’s because under the anesthetic, your biting may cause damage to your gums and interrupt the healing process without you feeling it.
Avoid certain foods after a deep cleaning
Your gums and teeth will be healing and sensitive after a deep cleaning, so avoiding certain foods is recommended. These are some foods that could interrupt the healing process and should be avoided following the procedure:
- Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes
- Challenging foods like steaks or large burgers
- Foods with small pieces that could get stuck in the gums, like nuts or popcorn
Over-the-counter medication can be used for pain and swelling
If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your gums, you can take over the counter medication like Ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol to help. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, and do not exceed the recommended limits.
Take antibiotics if prescribed
In some cases, we may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. Be sure to take these tablets as instructed and until all are finished.
Some swelling or discomfort is normal
Following a deep cleaning, your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. This can last for up to several weeks. You may also experience some slight swelling or bruising. Icing the area can help with this, but please notify us if you experience any major swelling.
Minor bleeding is also normal
Following the procedure, you may notice some pinkish tinge to your saliva. This is an indication of minor bleeding, and it can occur up to 48 hours after the procedure. Avoid hot foods, and do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours, as this can promote further bleeding. If you’re still experiencing bleeding after the first 48 hours, please contact us for assistance.
Rinse with saltwater
After the first 24 hours following your procedure, rinse your moth 4-6 times daily with saltwater. This can help to keep the area clean and free from infection.
Make An Appointment
Deep cleaning is a useful procedure that leaves the mouth feeling fresh and clean. While recovering, it’s vital to follow your dental team’s advice to help ensure the safest and fastest recovery possible.
Ready for your next dental exam? Make an appointment in our Mound or Chaska, MN dental offices today.