A professional dental cleaning leaves your mouth feeling fresh and your teeth looking great. These cleanings are a core part of your oral health routine. However, like any other dental procedures, there is a recovery time involved—and it affects what you can eat afterwards.
You can typically eat right away after a dental cleaning, unless you’ve had a fluoride treatment or other procedure. If there was any extra work done, wait at least an hour or so before eating. If your dentist gives you other advice, listen to their instructions—they know best.
Is Professional Teeth Cleaning Important?
Teeth cleaning is more than just a beauty routine. It’s about removing built-up bacteria, plaque, and tartar that otherwise may be too difficult to remove. If you ignore this buildup, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which may eventually cause more expensive treatments down the road.
Routine dental cleanings also let your dentist catch and address issues like cavities or early signs of gum disease before they progress. This is an important step in preventative care and protecting your teeth. Dental cleanings can even reduce the chances of inflammation and infection, making them an essential part of your oral care!
What to Expect From Teeth Cleaning
If you’ve never had professional teeth cleaning, it helps to know what to expect from your appointment. Typically, the process involves a few steps:
- Examining your teeth and gums to check for issues like swelling, cavities, or tartar buildup.
- Removing plaque and tartar using special tools, focusing on areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Polishing the teeth to smooth out surfaces and remove minor stains, leaving your smile brighter.
- Rinsing your mouth thoroughly to make sure everything is clean before checking your teeth one final time.
If needed, we may recommend fluoride treatment or protective sealants. These help remove bacteria and protect your teeth against future problems.
Throughout the procedure, your comfort is a top priority. Your dentist will answer any questions you may have to keep your visit stress-free.
What Can You Eat After Teeth Cleaning?
Once your cleaning is done, you’ll likely notice that your mouth feels fresh and clean—and so will your teeth. However, as with any dental procedure, you need to make sure you don’t disrupt the process.
Certain foods are ideal after a cleaning. Focus on options that are soft, gentle on your teeth, and easy to eat for the first few hours afterward. Some popular choices include:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Soup (not too hot)
- Applesauce
- Soft cheeses
- Bananas
- Rice
Foods served at room temperature or slightly below are generally the right choice. This avoids triggering sensitivity and makes it easier for your mouth to recover. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and rinse your mouth after eating, as doing so helps remove any bacteria.
Foods To Avoid After Teeth Cleaning
While some foods are perfectly fine after a dental cleaning, this isn’t always the case. After a dental cleaning, your teeth will be a bit more sensitive and a bit more susceptible to staining.
You should avoid certain foods for at least a day or more, as they could irritate your teeth, stain the enamel, or even weaken the teeth while they’re already sensitive. Try to stick with gentler alternatives for a little while to protect your smile—it’s an easy way to maintain your results.
Here’s a list of foods to steer clear of after your visit:
- Acidic fruits like oranges or lemons
- Coffee
- Carbonated drinks
- Hard candies
- Chips
- Crackers
- Ice cream
- Steaks or other chewy meats
- Sticky snacks like caramel
- Red wine
Tips For Maintaining Teeth Cleaning Results
Your efforts at home play a large role in your smile. The work doesn’t stop once you leave your dentist’s office—you’ll need to practice proper hygiene and good habits to keep your smile bright and strong.
Fortunately, this is easier than some people think. Good dental hygiene habits include:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing once a day to remove buildup between teeth.
- Using a toothpaste with fluoride to support enamel strength.
- Staying hydrated to promote the creation of saliva, which helps neutralize acids.
A consistent routine makes all the difference, keeping your teeth healthier between visits and significantly lowering the risk of irritation and bacterial infections.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
You should try to book a dental cleaning once every 6 months. This roughly lines up with how long it takes plaque to build up. However, if you have a history of gum disease, cavities, or other concerns, it helps to book cleanings more often. Ask your dentist how often you should visit.
During your regular cleanings, our team will work with you to keep your oral health in great shape. This way, we can address potential problems early on, long before they cause lasting damage.
Book Your Next Teeth Cleaning Appointment Today
Healthy teeth and a bright smile go hand in hand. Dental cleanings are a great way to stay on top of your oral health—but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t forget to practice good hygiene at home!
If you’re looking to strengthen your smile, come visit our team at Upper Gage Dental Centre. Our team will work with you to help you achieve a smile you love. Book an appointment with us today—it’s the first step towards a cleaner, healthier smile.
