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Good oral hygiene is important for your health and well-being. Regular dental cleanings ensure you have healthy teeth and gums.
Dental cleaning is a routine procedure done by dentists. It’s also known as prophylaxis or a scale and polish procedure. Dental cleaning removes plaque, stains, and tartar from the teeth. It also helps prevent gum disease. Dentists can also detect possible problems during this procedure. This allows for prompt treatment.
Patients often have many questions after a dental cleaning. Some wonder about the after-care. Many wonder if they can eat after the procedure. This article will answer that question and more.
Can You Eat After a Dental Cleaning?
Yes, you can eat after a dental cleaning. You can’t eat immediately after though. You’ll have to wait 30 minutes to an hour before you can eat.
Your gums might feel sensitive after the procedure. Some patients even experience bleeding or tenderness. Your dentist might apply fluoride to make your teeth stronger. Fluoride and other teeth cleaning procedures need time to take effect. It’s why you need to wait before eating.
What Foods Can You Eat After a Dental Cleaning Procedure?
You can eat after a dental cleaning. You need to be mindful of what you consume though. You could have a hard time eating because your mouth feels numb. This is a normal reaction after a deep cleaning procedure. But the numbness could cause you to bite your tongue or cheek.
Your gums could also feel tender or sore after a dental cleaning. This feeling will dissipate after a few days. The wrong food could hinder the gum’s healing process though. That’s why you should choose easy-to-chew foods. Soft foods won’t irritate your gums or damage your teeth. Here are the best things to eat after a dental cleaning:
- Soft fruits: Choose fruits that are soft and easy to chew. Avocados, bananas, and ripe berries are good choices. Their softness means you won’t put stress on your teeth.
- Yogurt: This is another great snack after a dental cleaning. Yogurt is smooth and creamy. It’s gentle on the teeth and gums. What’s more, it’s one of the best sources of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help support oral health.
- Warm Soup: Broth-based soups are nourishing and soothing. You can get the nutrients you need to speed up your recovery. It also won’t stress your teeth.
- Eggs: You can’t go wrong with scrambled, boiled, or poached eggs. They’re one of the best foods to eat after a dental procedure. It’s because they’re soft and rich in protein. Eggs are also an excellent source of vitamins. They’ll help jumpstart your recovery.
- Smoothies: A smoothie is refreshing and nutritious. You can blend up a mix of vegetables or fruits. Add yogurt or almond milk to make it more delicious. Smoothies are easy-to-consume meals that won’t hurt your teeth.
What Foods Are Bad for You After Dental Cleaning?
There are also many foods you should avoid after a dental cleaning. These are foods that could damage your teeth or gums. They could even set back the healing process. Make sure you steer clear of the following:
- Crunchy Foods: You should avoid hard and crunchy foods after a dental cleaning. Your dentist won’t be happy if you eat chips, hard candies, or nuts. These can irritate your sensitive gums. They can even dislodge pieces from your teeth.
- Sticky Foods: It’s also a good idea to avoid sticky food. Chewy candies like taffy and gum are harmful. They can get stuck in your teeth. This will leave you susceptible to cavities.
- Spicy foods: It’s best to avoid spicy food while your gum is still healing from the cleaning. They can worsen the sensitivity in your mouth. Give your gums some time to heal before you start eating peppers again.
Before You Go
Dentistry of Orlando is your partner when it comes to oral health. We’re one of the premier dental clinics in Orlando. We’re dedicated to giving our patients the best dental care. We offer family dentistry procedures, like dental cleanings and tooth extractions. We’re also experts in cosmetic dentistry. We specialize in dental crowns and veneers. We have two clinics in convenient locations. You can reach our Avalon clinic at (407) 249-9292. Call our Hansel office at (407) 851-5555. You can also make an appointment here.
