Teeth Cleaning Aftercare Tips from Our Dentists
Have you ever left your local dentist office with sensitive teeth after a teeth cleaning? This can be completely normal if it’s been awhile since your last appointment. If you’ve searched for a dentist near me for a teeth cleaning appointment and found you left with tender teeth, we can help explain why this may happen and how it may actually help you in the long run. That’s why we’ve compiled a some aftercare tips from our Austin dentist at Castle Dental to keep that fresh, teeth cleaning smile continuously bright after your appointment.
Why should I get a professional teeth cleaning?
Even if you consider yourself the best person at brushing and flossing your teeth, there is nothing that can compare to a professional teeth cleaning from your Austin dentist. These types of teeth cleanings are a way for your dentist to get into hard-to-reach places in your mouth that are often neglected and left behind. It’s because of these hard spots that a professional teeth cleaning comes in handy, as your dentist is able to use special tools to detect rough spots and remove any bacteria that has built up. Removing leftover bacteria and plaque will help you maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.
At your teeth cleaning appointment you can receive:
- Oral cancer screenings
- Scaling to remove tartar and plaque
- Dental X-rays to detect decay
- Gum disease detection and prevention
- Protective dental sealants
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
In order to grasp why your teeth may be a bit tender after your teeth cleaning, we’ve got to explore what your dentist or hygienist is actually doing during this process. Professional teeth cleanings on a routine basis are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile that’s free of cavities and gum disease. It’s recommended you see your local dentist about every six months, sometimes more depending on the patient and their needs. During this teeth cleaning, your dentist is able to assess the health of your teeth, and provide a cleaning experience that goes beyond daily brushing and flossing.
There are a few steps undertaken during your teeth cleaning process that range from an oral exam, to scaling, brushing, and flossing, followed with a mouth rinse. The reason professional teeth cleanings are so important is because this is where your dentist or hygienist is able to remove tartar, a calcified substance that can’t be removed with a normal brush or floss at home. When the staff are able to “scale” your teeth, they are using a fine metal instrument to scrape off tartar that has begun to build up on your tooth enamel. When tartar is left on your teeth for long periods of time, you may begin to experience signs of gum disease with inflammation and swelling at the gum line. During the scaling process, it can be somewhat irritating to your gums as the bacteria is being moved around and eventually dislodged from the area – hence the tender sore feeling you get after leaving the dentist office.
What are some teeth cleaning aftercare tips?
Having sensitive teeth after a teeth cleaning is a fairly normal experience as your gums can show signs of inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. These symptoms shouldn’t last more than a week. If they continue to persist, give your Austin dentist at Castle Dental a call to see how you should proceed with at-home care and if an appointment should be made for an oral exam. Generally any discomfort should dissipate within one to two days following your teeth cleaning. If you’re experiencing some sensitivity you can follow these tips:
- Daily brushing and flossing. Just because your teeth are tender, doesn’t mean you should refrain from brushing and flossing. Continuing to brush and floss your teeth after they have been cleaned is the best way to maintain the work your dentist has done. Think of your teeth cleaning as a fresh slate, and brushing and flossing are a way to keep your slate clean. Doing so on a daily basis, at least twice a day will help remove plaque and prevent it from forming into tartar once again.
- Avoid tough foods. Although your mouth is still the same (but cleaner!) you should be conscious of the foods you eat right after your teeth cleaning. Try to avoid foods with very hot or cold temperatures, as this can heighten the sensitivity you may already be feeling. Also avoid eating hard foods such as popcorn, peanut brittle, ice, and chewy candies as they can get lodged in between teeth, causing discomfort.
- Use sensitive toothpaste. It might be a nice option to choose a sensitive toothpaste over a standard toothpaste to help decrease any sensitivity on the tooth enamel. This can help offset overall sensitivity and strengthen teeth.
- Fluoride treatments. If you had a fluoride treatment after your teeth cleaning, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after your cleaning before consuming any food or beverage. This way the treatment has the ability to fully absorb and remineralize the teeth. You should also avoid highly acidic foods after the treatment, as this can wear it away at a faster rate.
- Regular dental visits. Consider searching a dentist near me if it’s been awhile since your last teeth cleaning. You want to visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning as routinely as possible to maintain a healthy well-being for your teeth, and detect any signs of dental caries or gum disease before they become serious issues.
Dentist Near Me
If you’re looking for a dentist in your area for your next teeth cleaning, but are unsure where to look, we have plenty of convenient [brand_name] locations to choose from! We take pride in leaving our patients with the best dental experience – whether it’s a teeth cleaning or dental checkup. You can make appointments with a local Castle dentist by visiting us online or calling at [phone]. Remember that experiencing tooth sensitivity post teeth cleaning is normal. However, should this sensitivity persist more than a few weeks, give us a call for a follow up appointment!
