Gums Healing After Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning is a crucial, non-surgical procedure for you if you have early signs of gum disease, such as inflamed gums, swelling, excessive redness, increased teeth sensitivity, bleeding gums, and receding gums. If you have any of these symptoms, you have gum disease and need gum therapy, also called dental deep cleaning. It is worth noting that 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 advised not to eat much before your deep cleaning procedure, which will increase the temptation to eat after the dental deep cleaning. However, you must avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia is gone. Eating while your mouth is numb increases the risk of you biting your tongue or gums.
* Be careful regarding what you eat after your dental deep cleaning-Your teeth and gums will be extremely sensitive for several hours after your dental deep cleaning, so you should avoid certain foods that will disrupt the healing process. You should avoid acidic foods, oranges and tomatoes, harder foods like a steak, sharp or crunchy foods like chips, or foods with small pieces that can easily get lodged within your gums like popcorn.
* Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain and discomfort-You are likely to experience some discomfort or pain after your dental deep cleaning. You can use some over-the-counter pain medications, Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, to reduce the discomfort. Follow the instructions and take the appropriate quantity.
* Take prescription antibiotics-In some more severe cases, your dentist might prescribe an antibiotic to ward off infection. Take the antibiotics according to the given instructions and schedule.
* Expect the swelling and discomfort to last a few days-It is perfectly normal to experience some swelling and discomfort for several days because your gums will be sensitive after the treatment. You can place ice packs on your cheeks to minimize the swelling. If the swelling is excessive, you should contact your dentist.
* Expect minor bleeding for up to 48 hours-For up to two hours after the treatment, you might notice a light pinkish hue to your saliva because of some minor bleeding. This is expected and perfectly normal, but you should notify your dentist if the bleeding persists after 48 hours or if you experience excessive bleeding. You cannot rinse for the first 48 hours.
* Saltwater rinsing four to six times a day-After your first 48 hours, you will be advised to rinse your mouth with saltwater at least four to six times a day to ensure your mouth stays clean and free from bacteria.
Do Gums Reattach after Deep Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning does ensure gum reattachment by removing the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth. By removing the source of the infection, the dentist smoothens the roots, which allows your gums to heal around your teeth and reattach. Your gums will heal naturally in approximately five days, which will then lead to significant natural tightening.