Dental Deep Cleaning Teeth Aftercare – What You Need to Know
Dental deep cleaning is a crucial non-surgical procedure for people with early signs of gum disease, such as excessive redness, inflamed gums, excessive teeth sensitivity, swelling, bleeding gums, receding gums, etc. If you have these signs and symptoms of gum disease, you may have gum disease and need gum therapy, also known as dental deep cleaning. It’s worth noting that the deep teeth cleaning procedure is only suitable for patients with early signs of gum disease, and not advanced periodontitis.
When patients are told they need dental deep cleaning, they usually have several questions. The following are some of the most common questions we get from patients:
- What do you need to know about deep cleaning teeth aftercare?
- What can you not do after a deep teeth cleaning?
- How soon can I brush my teeth after a deep cleaning?
- Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?
- How often should deep cleaning be done?
This article aims to answer all of the above-stated questions and provide additional information on dental deep cleaning teeth aftercare. Before we proceed with the article, please note that you must opt for dental deep cleaning teeth as soon as you realize you have gum disease. Gingivitis is a chronic condition that worsens with time. At the earlier stages, gum disease can be reversed with a simple non-surgical dental deep cleaning process. However, if you don’t act promptly, the gum disease may lead to periodontitis, necessitating invasive surgical treatments.
Sapphire Smiles is one of the best dental clinics in Yale, Houston, for teeth cleaning procedures. Our exceptional dentists use the latest cutting-edge techniques and technologies to diagnose the root cause of your conditions and treat gum disease at the earliest possible. We also provide anesthesia and sedation options to ensure a comfortable and painless experience. Our dental clinic is located at 2522 Yale St. #210, Houston, TX — you may schedule an appointment online or call us at (832) 409-0400.
What do you need to know about deep cleaning teeth aftercare?
Don’t eat while your mouth is still numb.
Most patients are advised not to eat much before the dental procedure, increasing the temptation to munch on something after the dental deep cleaning. However, you must avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia fades away. Eating while your mouth is still numb increases the risk of you biting into your tongue or gums, interrupting the healing process.
Be careful about what you eat immediately after dental deep cleaning.
Your gums and teeth will be extremely sensitive for a few hours after the dental deep cleaning, so you must avoid certain foods that can disrupt the healing process. You should avoid acidic foods (oranges and tomatoes), hard or challenging foods (steaks), sharp or crunchy foods (chips), or foods with small pieces that can get lodged within your gums (popcorn).
Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain and discomfort.
You’re likely to experience some pain and discomfort after the dental deep cleaning. However, you can get some over-the-counter pain medications (Ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol) to reduce the discomfort. Please follow the instructions on the bottle and take the appropriate quantity.
Take prescription antibiotics.
In some cases, your dentist may prescribe some antibiotics to prevent infections. You must take the antibiotics according to the given instructions and schedule.
Expect the swelling and discomfort to last a few days.
It’s perfectly normal to experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days or weeks because your gums will be sensitive after the procedure. You can place ice packs on your cheeks to manage the swelling. However, if the swelling is excessive, you must contact your dentist.
Expect minor bleeding for up to 48 hours.
For approximately 2 days after the treatment, you may notice a light pinkish hue to your saliva because of minor bleeding. This is perfectly normal, but you must contact the dentist if the bleeding persists after 48 hours or if you have excessive bleeding. You must also avoid rinsing for the first 48 hours.
Saltwater rinsing 4-6 times a day.
After the first 48 hours, you’ll be advised to rinse your mouth with saltwater at least 4 to 6 hours a day to ensure your mouth remains clean and free from bacteria.
What can you not do after a deep teeth cleaning?
- Don’t eat anything while your mouth is still numb.
- Don’t eat sharp, crunchy, grainy, or challenging foods on the first day.
- Don’t drink hot beverages for about 48 hours.
- Don’t rinse your mouth for about 48 hours.
How soon can I brush my teeth after a deep cleaning?
You can start brushing your teeth the same day as the deep cleaning process, but you must use gentle strokes. You can start flossing your teeth the next day but be gentle. And you can start rinsing your mouth after about 48 hours.
Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?
Yes, deep cleaning ensures gum reattachment by removing the obstructions, bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth. By removing the infection and tartar, the dentist smoothens the roots, allowing your gums to heal around the teeth. Your gums will heal in approximately 5 days, which will lead to significant tightening.
How often should deep cleaning be done?
Deep cleaning isn’t a routine procedure. It’s only done when you’re suffering from early gum disease. However, you must opt for routine teeth cleaning once every six months to prevent gum disease from occurring.
For more information on gum disease and deep teeth cleaning procedure, please schedule an appointment or call us at (832) 409-0400.
