How to Care for Your Teeth After a Dental Cleaning
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to your overall health, and dental cleanings play a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. After undergoing a dental cleaning, you must follow post-op instructions to ensure you achieve the best results and keep your oral health in pristine condition.
Immediate Post-Op Instructions
Following your dental procedure, your dentist will provide you with specific instructions to follow during your recovery. These instructions will vary depending on the procedure you had and your individual needs.
Wait 30 Minutes Before Eating or Drinking
In general, you should wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating or drinking. Most dental cleaning appointments include a fluoride treatment at the end. During the wait time after a fluoride treatment, it’s crucial to avoid consuming acidic or fizzy drinks as they can wash away the fluoride before it has had a chance to bond with the tooth enamel. These minerals are essential for forming the surface of the teeth. To quench thirst during this time, only sip water to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Avoid Hot Foods & Drinks for Four Hours After Dental Cleaning
It’s important to avoid consuming hot food and drinks for at least four hours after a fluoride treatment as the heat can dissolve the fluoride before it has a chance to bond permanently with the tooth enamel. This can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, as the minerals that form the surface of the teeth require fluoride to strengthen and protect against decay.
Additionally, the heat from hot food and drinks can be uncomfortable for patients experiencing tender gums and sensitive teeth after a cleaning.
Oral Hygiene Care
Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing after a dental cleaning. Try the following:
- Brush your teeth gently with toothpaste twice a day
- Rinse your mouth between meals.
- Floss once a day.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you supposed to brush your teeth after a dental cleaning?
The most effective way to preserve the results of your dental cleaning is by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Consider your dental cleaning as a clean slate, and brushing and flossing serve as a means to maintain the cleanliness of your teeth.
What should you avoid after a dental cleaning?
After a thorough dental cleaning, consuming acidic foods or drinks such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles, fruit juice, and red wine can be harsh on your mouth. Additionally, spicy and heavily seasoned foods may also cause discomfort in your mouth.
Post-Op Care Is Crucial for Good Oral Health
Proper post-operative dental cleaning care is important for proper healing and avoiding complications after a dental procedure. Following your dentist’s specific instructions can help ensure a smooth recovery process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our Staten Island dentists for guidance.
Insurance
We accept many insurances. Please contact one of our Insurance Coordinators to discuss your dental coverage plan.
(718) 948 5111
appointments@sidental.com
Open 7 days a week
Reviews
The dentists are absolutely excellent…
“I have been going here for years. The dentists are absolutely excellent and they always have an appointment available that fits into a busy schedule. I also completed invisilgn and my teeth are perfectly straight now. They also practice preventive medicine and just went in for my 6 month cleaning. Every time feel like I have a new set of choppers and best yet the check up noted no cavities!.”
— J.R
Pleasant visit
“As usual, it was a pleasant visit thanks to Dr. Nasso and her great staff..”
— C.M.
Always treated with courtesy and respect.
“Always treated with courtesy and respect. All of my questions were answered regarding upcoming treatments..”
— J.C.
Smile Profile
Put your best face forward.
Create a positive change to your teeth and your smile.