Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning is a critical, non-surgical procedure if you have been diagnosed with early signs of gum disease, like inflamed gums, swelling, excessive redness, bleeding gums, receding gums, and increased teeth sensitivity. If you have any of these symptoms, you might have gum disease and need gum therapy, also called dental deep teeth cleaning. Deep teeth cleaning treatment is only necessary if you have early signs of gum disease, and not the advanced stage of periodontitis.
What Do You Need to Know about Deep Cleaning Teeth Aftercare?
- Do not eat if your mouth is still numb- You will be strongly advised not to eat before your deep cleaning procedure, which then just increases the temptation to eat after the dental deep cleaning. You must avoid eating until the numbness from your anesthesia is gone. Eating while your mouth is still numb increases the risk of biting your tongue, cheeks, or gums.
- Be careful regarding what you eat after your dental deep cleaning- Your teeth and gums will be overly sensitive for several hours following your dental deep cleaning, so it is best to avoid certain foods that will disrupt your healing process. You should avoid acidic foods, like oranges and tomatoes, harder foods to chew, sharp or crunchy foods like chips, or foods with smaller pieces that can get lodged within your gums such as popcorn.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain and discomfort- It is likely you will experience some discomfort or pain after your dental deep cleaning. You can use some popular over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, to reduce your discomfort. Follow the instructions and take the quantity recommended.
- Take prescription antibiotics- In a more severe case, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to fend off infection. Take the antibiotics according to the instructions and schedule.
- Expect the swelling and discomfort to last a few days- It is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days because your gums will be sensitive after the procedure. You can place an ice pack on your cheek to minimize the swelling. If the swelling is persistent, you should contact your dentist.
- Expect minor bleeding for up to 48 hours- For a few hours after the treatment, you may notice a light pinkish hue to your saliva because of minor bleeding. This is expected and completely normal, but you should notify your dentist if the bleeding continues after 48 hours or if you experience excessive bleeding. You also cannot rinse for the first 48 hours.
- Saltwater rinsing four to six times a day- After your first 48 hours have passed, you then will be advised to rinse your mouth with saltwater four to six times a day to make sure your mouth stays clean and free from unwanted bacteria.
Do Gums Reattach after Deep Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning does enhance and even ensure gum reattachment by removing the damaging bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth. By removing the primary source of the gum infection, your dentist also smoothens the roots, which then allows your gums to naturally heal around your teeth and reattach. Your gums will heal naturally in about five days, which then leads to significant natural tightening.