Bad Breath: You Don't Have to Live with It

Many people don't appreciate the essence of teeth cleaning until they suffer from severe conditions such as periodontitis. Before completing beginning treatments for oral conditions such as missing teeth or inflamed gums, dentists usually perform teeth cleaning. 

Also, it is healthy to go for regular teeth cleaning to prevent plaque accumulation and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Here are some after-care tips you should follow after the teeth cleaning procedure.

Brush Your Teeth Before Going to Sleep

After the teeth cleaning procedure, your dentist will advise you to observe oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day. It is essential to brush at night when your teeth are most vulnerable to plaque buildup. When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Don't brush too roughly, as you could injure your gums and cause bleeding.

Follow Your Dentist's Advice on Medication

Your dentist will recommend an over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen for pain and swelling after the teeth cleaning procedure. However, you shouldn't exceed the required limits. Additionally, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Ensure you take these tablets according to the dentist's instructions to avoid complications.

Follow Your Dentist's Instructions on Eating

Since many patients don't eat before the teeth cleaning procedure, they leave the dentist's office eager for a snack. However, if the dentist administers anesthesia during the procedure, they will advise you not to eat until the numbness in your mouth dissipates. 

If you eat while the anesthetic is active, the biting could damage your gums and disrupt the healing process. Furthermore, your dentist will give you a list of foods you should avoid. These include acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges, foods that are rough on your teeth, like large burgers and steaks, and foods that could get stuck in your gums, like popcorn and nuts.

Watch Out for Warning Signs

After a tooth cleaning procedure, it is normal to experience tenderness in your gums and tooth sensitivity. If you go for long periods without flossing, you will also suffer from minor bleeding. All these side effects should clear up in a few days. If the symptoms persist for a long, you should visit a dentist to determine whether there are complications that should be addressed.

Follow-Up Appointments

When you leave the dentist's office, a tooth cleaning treatment doesn't end. Your dentist may ask you to report back in a few weeks to check for complications and ensure the gum disease is declining. Sensitive patients must visit the dentist annually to avoid infections and allow the gums to heal. Make sure you don't skip any of these follow-up appointments.

To learn more, contact a dentist in your area such as Mark A. Massa, DDS, Inc.