Important precautions after scaling include important steps that begin immediately after treatment and continue until healing is complete. During this process, it’s important to wait until the anesthesia wears off completely, and any mild pain or sensitivity should be managed with appropriate methods. It’s essential to stick to soft foods in the first few days and maintain consistent, yet gentle, oral hygiene. Avoiding habits like smoking and alcohol, which can negatively impact healing, and keeping to your dentist’s recommended follow-up appointments are key to maintaining a healthy oral environment after scaling.
Why Should We Be Careful After Scaling?
Your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. This means the treated area will be numbed for a while. You should avoid eating or drinking anything hot until this numbness in your mouth wears off, usually for several hours.
Why? Because when you’re numb, you might unknowingly bite your tongue, lip, or cheek. This can lead to painful injuries. Similarly, you could accidentally burn your mouth by drinking very hot soup or coffee. This simple precaution will prevent further complications after the procedure. Once sensation returns, you can safely resume eating and drinking.
Is Pain or Sensitivity Normal After Dental Scaling?
Yes, it’s quite normal to experience some mild pain, stinging, or sensitivity in your teeth, especially to cold foods and drinks, after the procedure. Don’t worry, this is usually temporary. The pain may last a few days, and the sensitivity may last a week or two.
To manage this discomfort, you can use simple, non-aspirin pain relievers (such as those containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen) available from pharmacies. For sensitivity, toothpastes specifically formulated for sensitive teeth will be helpful. Regular use of these pastes reduces sensitivity. Gargling with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can also soothe your gums. If you experience severe or persistent pain, be sure to consult your dentist.
When and What Should You Eat After Tartar Cleaning?
There’s a simple rule: don’t eat anything until the numbness in your mouth has completely subsided. Feeling usually returns within a few hours after the procedure. Then, you can begin eating.
Because your gums will be sensitive for the first few days, you should choose soft foods that won’t strain them. Warm soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, boiled vegetables, omelets, and bananas are good choices. Remember that your body needs nutrients and plenty of fluids to heal. If possible, try to chew on the side opposite to the side where the procedure was performed for the first few days.
What Foods and Drinks Should We Avoid After Scaling?
To speed up healing and ensure comfort, it’s wise to avoid certain foods and drinks for the first few days.
Hard and crunchy foods, such as chips, nuts, popcorn, and hard bread crusts, can irritate your gums. Foods like sticky candies or Turkish delight are also not recommended because they are difficult to clean.
Very hot or very cold foods and drinks can increase tooth sensitivity. Spicy, bitter, or very sour foods (such as lemon or vinegar) can also irritate your sensitive gums. Sugary foods and drinks should be limited, as they promote bacterial growth. Alcohol can also slow healing, so avoid it for the first few days.
How Should We Maintain Oral Care After Scaling?
After the procedure, you should continue with your oral care; in fact, you should be even more meticulous. This is the key to healing.
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush your teeth twice a day, using very gentle movements. Avoid putting pressure on your gums, especially in the first few days. Continue using a fluoride toothpaste. If you experience sensitivity, you can choose desensitizing toothpaste.
Continue using interdental cleaners, such as dental floss or interdental brushes, daily, but be very gentle. Slight bleeding while brushing or flossing is normal in the first few days; this will decrease with continued cleaning. Gargling with warm salt water also helps with cleaning and soothes the gums.
Is Special Mouthwash Necessary After Scaling?
Generally, it’s not necessary. In most cases, regular brushing, flossing, and perhaps a warm saltwater gargle are sufficient after the procedure.
However, your dentist may prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine for a specific reason, such as reducing the risk of infection or promoting healing. If you receive this recommendation, use the mouthwash exactly as directed and apply it regularly.Use it regularly. Be aware that these types of strong mouthwashes can cause temporary staining of your teeth. Do not start using strong mouthwashes on your own; consult your dentist.
Why Shouldn’t We Smoking and Alcohol After Scaling?
Smoking and alcohol are two significant factors that can hinder your healing process.
Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums, prevents oxygen supply to the tissues, and reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. This significantly slows healing and can even cause treatment failure. It’s best to quit smoking for at least the first 2-3 days after the procedure, ideally completely.
Alcohol can similarly delay healing, dry the mouth and cause irritation, and can interact with medications you’re taking. Therefore, it’s important to avoid alcohol for the first few days after the procedure.
How Long Does Healing Take After Scaling?
While the healing process varies slightly from person to person, there is a general timeline. Within the first few days, discomfort such as pain and tingling, as well as swelling and redness in the gums, will begin to subside. Cold sensitivity in the teeth usually resolves within 1-2 weeks.
However, it takes a little longer for your gums to fully heal, tighten, and adhere more securely to the roots of your teeth. This deep tissue healing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, you’ll notice your gums returning to a healthier pink color and hugging your teeth more tightly. Be patient and maintain good oral hygiene.
Does Gum Recession Occur After Scaling?
Yes, it’s possible to notice some receding in your gums after the procedure. Don’t be alarmed by this, as it’s usually a good sign.
Think about it this way: your gums may be inflamed and swollen before the procedure. When this inflammation is treated with scaling, the swelling will subside, leaving your gums firmer and healthier. During this tightening, the gum line may drop slightly, revealing a small portion of the tooth root. While this may cause your teeth to appear longer or cause sensitivity, it’s actually a sign that your gums are regaining their health.
When Should You Call the Dentist After Scaling?
While mild discomfort is normal, some symptoms warrant a visit to your dentist.
If you experience bleeding that persists or is difficult to stop after the first 1-2 days after the procedure, be sure to call your dentist. Severe pain that persists despite taking painkillers or gradually increases is also not normal.
If you notice signs of infection in the days following the procedure, such as swelling that should be decreasing but increasing, a fever, or pus (pus) coming from your gums, contact your dentist immediately. Also, if you develop an unexpected allergic reaction (rash, shortness of breath, etc.) to any medications you’re taking, notify your dentist immediately.
Why Are Post-Scaling Checkups So Important?
Scaling is a great way to start controlling gum disease, but it’s often not enough on its own. Gum disease (periodontitis) is usually a chronic condition. Therefore, regular follow-up after treatment is essential.
Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment approximately 4-6 weeks after the procedure. This appointment will assess healing progress and measure the depth of your gum pockets. If everything is going well, great! However, sometimes additional treatment may be necessary.
Afterward, it’s crucial to continue regular professional care appointments (usually every 3-6 months) to maintain your gum health. These appointments will help prevent recurrence.
