I Just Had a Dental Cleaning. Now What?
- Dr. Panesar
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
So, you’ve just had a dental cleaning…great job! Staying on schedule with your dental cleanings is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your oral health. After having your teeth cleaned, you may wonder…what is next? Stay tuned as we shine some light on the aftermath of a dental cleaning.
First off, what is a dental cleaning? As with the vast majority of dental procedures, a cleaning involves removing bacteria from the teeth. And bacteria take a couple forms in the mouth:
Plaque or biofilm: a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth over time. Think of that “fuzzy” feeling your teeth have sometimes. This CAN be brushed or flossed at home.
Calculus: plaque or biofilm that hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Minerals from saliva mix with it, forming a hard surface that CANNOT be brushed or flossed away.
Most of the dental cleaning appointment will consist of “scaling” – this is where your hygienist will use hand instruments and ultrasonic tools to remove this plaque and calculus. However, that’s not all! Before the scaling, a thorough assessment is done. This typically consists of:
Reviewing and updating your medical history. Many health issues can present in the mouth, such as acid reflux, diabetes, and anemia.
Reviewing and addressing your chief concern (if you have one)
Examination of your oral tissues (gums, palate, tongue, floor of mouth): this is done to check the health of these tissues, as well as screen for oral cancer.
With your dental cleaning having been done, you will enjoy a few benefits. You will enjoy fresher breath, a smooth clean feeling on your teeth, your gums will be healthier, and you’ll have a lower risk of gum disease and tooth decay (caries). But what happens after? In this article, we’ll go over what to expect once you’ve had your teeth cleaned.
What to Expect Immediately After Your Cleaning
So, the pesky bacteria have been chased away from your teeth, and your hygienist has armed you with all the knowledge to make sure fewer bacteria return in the future. But what can you expect right after your cleaning?
First up, you can expect some mild gum tenderness, and some sensitivity. Some sharp instruments were just used, and your mouth will need a break. Gum tenderness is normal, as is some tooth sensitivity - when buildup is removed, the exposed tooth structure can sometimes be sensitive to cold and/or biting. Stay tuned for how to address these issues!
Slight bleeding is also expected – our gums DO NOT like plaque or calculus, and they show that by developing inflammation. This inflammation makes it easy for gums to bleed, and you may notice some of that after a cleaning. Fortunately, this is temporary, and with the buildup gone, your gums will be able to return to a healthy, strong state.
And let’s end this section on a positive note! The immediate aftermath of a cleaning will leave you with a smooth, fresh feeling on your teeth, along with fresh breath!
Eating and Drinking After a Cleaning
Now that you’ve left the dental office, it’s time to return to normal life, and that means getting back to eating the foods you love (hopefully that includes a good number of whole foods!). But there are a couple things to be mindful of before jumping back into your normal diet.
First, if fluoride was done (which we cover in a different post), it’s generally recommended to wait a certain amount of time before eating or drinking. Most fluoride applications recommend a period of 30 minutes before eating or drinking (but some don’t) – your hygienist will go over this with you. Next, avoid staining foods/drinks (coffee, wine, dark sauces) for a few hours after a cleaning, as your newly polished teeth may pick up surface stains more quickly than normal. Moving on, if your gums are tender, it might help to stick to softer foods like yogurt, smoothies, or eggs, for a few hours, to avoid discomfort. And lastly, stay hydrated! Once the fluoride has had its 30 minutes to shine, water can help wash away debris and bacteria that may have been knocked loose but left behind.
Caring for Your Teeth After a Cleaning
Well, now that your teeth are fresh and clean, the show must go on! Home care is critical in making sure your teeth are healthy long term. Within a couple of days after the cleaning, your gums and teeth will be a bit tender – so we recommend brushing and flossing regularly as usual but being gentler when doing so. Your teeth may be sensitive to cold/touch as well, so using a desensitizing toothpaste (like Sensodyne) is a great idea as well. And if you’re a Burnewood Dental patient – you’re in luck, as we often include Sensodyne in our take-home goodie bags! Lastly, your dentist and hygienist can give you personalized advice on care after a dental cleaning. Most patients have minimal to no sensitivity after hygiene; however, some patients can be particularly sensitive – your dental team will know your specific circumstances (especially if you’re a regular) and make recommendations based on those.
What’s Normal vs. When to Call the Dentist
Sure, some sensitivity and discomfort are normal after a cleaning, but at a certain point you may have to call your dentist. In the day or two after your cleaning, some sensitivity, light bleeding, and tender gums are normal and usually resolve quickly. However, if you notice the bleeding is prolonged, and the sensitivity is increasing, or if any swelling or throbbing pain are present, it may be time to call your dentist and have it assessed. The main takeaway here is to call your dentist if you’re having symptoms that worsen instead of settling down.
Enough of the Warnings, What Are Some Good Things to Expect After My Cleaning?
Having your cleaning done is a big step! Your teeth will thank you in the long run. But in the short term, you’ll enjoy a few things. First, your smile will be brighter! The stains you may have accumulated from coffee and other foods will be polished off, making your teeth nice and bright. Next, removing plaque and calculus from your teeth also removes odor causing bacteria...which means you’ll have some nice fresh breath!
Earlier, we mentioned how your gums may be tender after a cleaning. While that is true, the removal of plaque also means your gums will have less inflammation and bleeding! This provides a major long-term benefit as well – inflammation causes loss of attachment (aka “receding gums”), leading to periodontitis, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings go a long way in reducing the chances of this happening.
Last but not least, having a brighter smile, fresher breath, and healthier gums can increase your self-confidence!
Long-Term Habits to Maintain Results
Your dental cleaning is twice a year, and it plays a critical role in maintaining your oral health. But what about the other ~363 days in the year? That is where your long-term habits come in. First and foremost, regular brushing and flossing are two of the strongest tools in your kit. A general rule of thumb is to aim for brushing twice a day and flossing once (ideally before brushing). This makes sure that the results (healthy gums and teeth) stand the test of time. And as a refresher - here's our article going over some tips and techniques.
In another previous article, we describe how sugary diets lead to decay – basically, sugar-loving bacteria release acidic compounds that break down teeth. Knowing that, reducing sugary (and acidic) foods in your diet can help keep your teeth and gums strong in the long run. In addition to the diet, quitting smoking, limiting staining foods, and staying hydrated will also help keep your teeth strong and bright.
Lastly, we recommend keeping up with your regular dental visits – your hygienist will determine the best frequency of dental visits, as every patient is different. Generally, the most common interval is a dental cleaning every 6 months, however many patients are on 3- or 4-month schedules as well.
Putting It All Together
We hope we shined a light on some of the mystery of what goes on after a dental cleaning. The cleaning itself is a very important part of your oral (and overall) health, but the show doesn’t stop there! You use your teeth daily, and like anything that is used that often, continuing maintenance is important. Using the advice in this article, you will enjoy the benefits of a nice clean smile (with some minor discomfort along the way). And if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, or if you know you’re due for your 3-, 4-, or 6-month visit, call Burnewood Dental to book your next cleaning or reach out to us if you have any concerns!
References/Resources:
American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-care?
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