Mar 06, 2023

What not to do after teeth cleaning?

Professional dental cleaning is an easy way to maintain your oral health. Besides the cleaning, it enables your dentist to perform a thorough dental exam. At Family Dental Care- Chicago, after a teeth cleaning process, we finish the appointment by guiding our patients on what to do after the procedure.

Why Do You Need Teeth Cleaning

Practicing good oral hygiene habits prevents the development of oral health issues. For example, regular dental cleanings allow the dentist to access spots that patients miss during their regular oral hygiene. These visits also enable the dentist to monitor the health of every part of your mouth. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for your dentist to advise you on good oral habits and discourage bad ones. Here are several reasons why you need regular dental cleaning:

  • It prevents gum disease or periodontists, which could lead to tooth loss.

  • You also get to have an oral cancer screening which includes a physical examination, x-rays, and various tests if necessary.

  • It helps detect dental issues such as broken fillings, cavities, and gum infections in the early stage.

  • To brighten your smile. During a dental cleaning, the dentist will polish your teeth and remove beverage and coffee stains.

  • Proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning prevent lousy breath, also known as halitosis which, according to dental studies, affects about 85% of people.

  • Most dental insurance plans cover dental cleanings, and due to this, they save you a lot of money to be spent on dental treatments in the long term.

  • It helps you develop a treatment plan for any dental issues diagnosed during the cleaning procedure.

Overall, having regular teeth cleaning in Chicago gives your dentist a chance to compare your previous medical history with the current one. They have an immediate plan to bring you back if you are going off track.

What To Expect During Teeth Cleaning

The teeth cleaning process is straightforward, and here is what to expect from the dentist near you.

During the first step, the dentist will examine your gums, teeth, and oral cavity for any health issues. If any minor dental problems are found, the dentist will take care of them on the spot. Additionally, the dentist will give the nod for the cleaning if you are found fit.

The dentist will then rinse your mouth and scrape off plaque and tartar from your gums and teeth. Next, your teeth are polished using a polishing paste and an electric handpiece. They will then proceed to floss your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque hiding between your teeth.

The dentist will then apply fluoride treatment on your teeth if necessary. The treatment reinforces and strengthens your enamel to prevent decay and cavities.

Finally, the dentist will apply a dental sealant on the molars. Sealants will create a barrier and protect your teeth from harmful bacteria and other substances.

After Care Tips for Teeth Cleaning

Dental cleaning isn’t done with tropical anesthesia, and because of this, you may experience slight discomfort throughout the process. But despite this, you may question if any special aftercare tips are required after the procedure. Here are the dos and don’ts after dental cleaning:

  • Avoid eating or drinking in the next 30 minutes after the procedure. This will give the fluoride treatment used to bond with your tooth enamel. Additionally, fizzy or acidic drinks could wash away the fluoride used before serving its purpose. If you are thirsty, sip water.

  • Don’t take hot beverages or foods within the first four hours after the process. The reason is that hot food dissolves the fluoride treatment used before having the chance to settle permanently. In addition, the heat could also cause discomfort to patients experiencing sensitive or tender gums.

  • Brush your teeth gently and correctly before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to do this. Use sensitive toothpaste if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and tender gums. Avoid the temptation of skipping your night’s oral hygiene after the cleaning unless the dentist tells you otherwise.

  • Be on the lookout for any warning signs after the procedure. Experiencing tooth sensitivity and tender gums is normal. However, patients who have gone for a long without flossing may have minor bleeding. These inconveniences should clear out within a day or two. If they persist for longer, visit your dentist at 60617 for a follow-up.

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