Taking good care of your teeth after deep cleaning is crucial for healing, comfort, and long-term dental health if you recently received periodontal therapy. After a deep cleaning, many patients experience sensitivity, pain, or even bleeding, which is quite common in the early stages of recovery. How closely you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions will significantly affect the condition of your teeth after deep cleaning.
Following a deep cleaning, good practices can speed up the healing process and lower the chance of reinfection. The purpose of deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, is to remove plaque and bacteria from beneath the gum line. Even though this therapy is essential for halting the progression of gum disease, your recuperation doesn’t stop when you leave the dentist’s office.
The success of the surgery depends on what you do at home in the days and weeks following treatment. In this blog, we’ll go over what happens after deep cleaning, how to deal with discomfort, what not to do, and how to keep your teeth in top condition. You can preserve your smile and maintain healthy gums for many years to come with the proper treatment and assistance from the best dentist in Cedar Park.
What Happens to Your Teeth and Gums after Deep Cleaning?
Your mouth goes through a natural healing phase following periodontal therapy. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria are eliminated from beneath the gum line and around your teeth’s roots during deep cleaning. This allows your gums to reattach to healthier tooth surfaces.
It’s typical to encounter:
- Gum swelling or soreness
- Little blood when flossing or brushing
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold foods
- A gum pain following thorough cleaning in places with significant plaque accumulation
- Little pain when chewing
Usually, these symptoms go away in a few days to a week. Your gums may take longer to fully recover if the pockets are deeper and the infection was more severe before treatment. At first, your gums also decrease. This indicates that the swelling has reduced and more of the tooth surface is visible; it is not damaged.
In actuality, this shows that your gums are getting healthier again. Above all, deep cleaning prevents gum disease from getting worse. Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss, loose teeth, and bone loss if left untreated. Your recovery will remain on course if you follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines.
Immediate Aftercare after Periodontal Therapy
Healing is most important during the first 24 to 72 hours following your deep cleaning service. Your gums are most sensitive to discomfort or infection. During this time, you should concentrate on the following.
Control Your Sensitivity and Pain
After your visit, you can feel a little sore or sensitive. Your dentist may suggest over-the-counter painkillers. Swelling can also be decreased by briefly applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
Consume Gentle, Soft Foods
Eat only things that won’t irritate your gums, like:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
For the first few days, avoid crunchy, spicy, acidic, or extremely hot foods, as they might worsen discomfort and delay healing.
Take prescription drugs as directed.
Use antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotics exactly as advised by your dentist. These drugs help prevent infections and accelerate healing.
Avoid Touching the Treated Area
Avoid using your fingers or tongue to poke or press your gums. Healing may slow down, and bacteria may be introduced.
What NOT to Do After A Deep Teeth Cleaning
Knowing what to do and what not to do after a deep cleaning is equally crucial. Some behaviors can irritate your gums and undermine the effectiveness of your therapy.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, delaying healing and raising the chance of reinfection. For long-term gum health, avoid tobacco products for at least 72 hours following therapy; preferably, think about giving up altogether.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol might aggravate healing tissues and conflict with any prescription drugs your dentist may have given you. After your procedure, refrain from alcohol for a few days.
Avoid Eating Crunchy or Hard Foods
Foods that can irritate your gum pockets include chips, almonds, popcorn, and crusty bread. Reopening healed tissues is another benefit of these nutrients.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Teeth
Some people’s gums hurt, so they don’t brush or floss. Healing may be delayed, and bacteria may accumulate as a result. Even if your gums are sensitive, gentle washing is crucial.
Pay Attention to Endless Pain
While some discomfort is common, consult your dentist if you experience extreme pain, significant bleeding, or swelling that persists for more than a few days.
Oral Hygiene after Deep Teeth Cleaning
The cornerstone of a successful recovery is maintaining good oral hygiene. Maintaining the effects of your periodontal therapy and preventing germs from recolonizing your gums are two benefits of proper care.
Brush thoroughly yet gently.
When brushing, apply light pressure and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Don’t scrape too hard; instead, concentrate on cleaning along the gum line. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss Carefully
To remove plaque between teeth, flossing is crucial. If you have sore gums, floss slowly and gently. Use a water flosser to clean around sensitive regions if regular floss is bothersome.
Use a mouthwash with antibacterial properties.
To lower bacteria and relieve sore gums, your dentist could suggest or prescribe a specific mouthwash. This is an essential component of deep cleaning dental aftercare.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Water consumption keeps your mouth moist and helps remove bacteria, both of which promote healing.
Maintain Frequent Expert Cleanings
Continued professional tooth cleaning treatments are essential even after periodontal therapy. To monitor your gum health and prevent future buildup, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.
Reveal Dental – Your Long-Term Gum Health Partner
Following periodontal therapy, your smile requires professional care. Our goal at Reveal Dental is to support you through each phase of your recovery and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for the rest of your life. To ensure long-lasting results, our skilled staff provides individualized aftercare instructions, advanced tooth-cleaning products, and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Our helpful experts can assist you if you have a gum sore after deep cleaning, sensitivity, or persistent discomfort. Make an appointment for a follow-up visit with the best dentist in Cedar Park to take the next step toward a happier, healthier smile.
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Submitted by Dr. Alkesh C. Sura
Dr. Alkesh C. Sura is the founder and lead dentist at Reveal Dental in Cedar Park, Texas. A North Carolina native, Dr. Sura earned both his Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
