Post Operative Instructions – Dental Cleanings & Exams

Managing Sensitivity

After a dental cleaning, it’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity, particularly if your gums were treated or if you have a history of sensitive teeth. This can happen due to the removal of plaque and tartar buildup around your gums and teeth.

• Tooth Sensitivity: If your teeth feel sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages, this sensitivity should subside within 24-48 hours. If discomfort persists beyond that time frame, please contact our office for advice.
• Gum Sensitivity: After a professional cleaning, your gums may feel slightly tender or swollen, especially if you haven’t had a cleaning in a while. This is completely normal and should be resolved quickly. Gently brushing and rinsing with warm salt water may help ease discomfort.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Following your cleaning, it’s important to continue your regular oral hygiene routine to maintain the results and keep your mouth healthy.

• Brushing: Resume brushing your teeth gently as soon as possible after your appointment. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing, as your gums may be slightly tender following the cleaning.
• Flossing: It is important to continue flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. After your cleaning, you may feel that your gums are a bit sensitive when flossing. Be gentle, and if you experience discomfort, consider using a fluoride mouthwash to help soothe your gums.
• Mouthwash: You may use mouthwash as part of your daily routine to help maintain a fresh mouth. If your gums are particularly tender, you can use a warm saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) for the first 24 hours to promote healing and reduce irritation.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

While there’s no major restriction on what you can eat after a dental cleaning, you may want to avoid certain foods for the first 24 hours to prevent any discomfort or irritation.

• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: If your gums are feeling tender, try to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods like nuts, caramel, or chewing gum for the first 24 hours to avoid irritation.
• Cold or Hot Foods: If you’re experiencing any sensitivity, try to avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, as they may aggravate any temporary sensitivity.

Post-Cleaning Bleeding

It’s normal for your gums to bleed slightly, especially if they have been inflamed due to plaque and tartar buildup. This should subside after a few hours or within a day.

• Gum Bleeding: If you notice light bleeding after the cleaning, don’t be alarmed. This is a common occurrence after cleaning, especially if your gums are inflamed. Brush gently and avoid vigorous flossing for the next day to allow your gums to heal properly.
• Persistent Bleeding: If you experience significant or persistent bleeding, or if you have concerns about the amount of bleeding after your cleaning, please contact our office for advice.

Continuing Dental Care at Home

After your cleaning, you should continue to practice your daily dental hygiene routine. In addition to brushing and flossing, consider adding these habits to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible:

• Use Fluoride Products: If you have sensitive teeth or gums, using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can help strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
• Maintain Healthy Habits: Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking, as these habits contribute to better oral and overall health. Smoking can negatively impact your gums and teeth, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for your dental health.

Follow-up Appointments

Your dental cleaning and exam are part of a long-term strategy to maintain a healthy mouth. We recommend regular checkups every six months to ensure that your teeth and gums stay in optimal condition. These visits include:

• Routine Cleanings: Regular cleanings are important for removing plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease, and ensuring that any cavities or other dental issues are caught early.
• Exams: During each exam, we will thoroughly check your teeth and gums for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. X-rays may be taken periodically to assess the health of the underlying bone and teeth.

When to Contact Us

Though most patients feel fine after cleaning, it’s important to reach out if you experience any of the following:

• Pain or Discomfort: If you experience excessive pain, persistent bleeding, or prolonged discomfort after your cleaning, please contact our office to schedule a follow-up appointment.
• Sensitivity: If your teeth or gums remain sensitive for an extended period (more than a few days), let us know so we can assess the situation.
• Signs of Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as pus or swelling around the gums, contact us immediately for advice.

Conclusion

Thank you again for trusting Greater Dental Health with your dental care. Following these post-operative instructions after your cleaning and exam will help maintain your oral health and ensure that your gums and teeth stay clean and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you experience any issues after your appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile!