Immediately After Your Appointment
- If local anesthetic was used, wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing and be careful with hot foods and drinks.
- If you received a fluoride treatment, follow the eating and brushing instructions provided at your appointment. The instructions vary depending on the type of fluoride used.
- If no anesthetic or fluoride restrictions apply, you can usually eat and drink normally.
Common Sensations
- Your gums may feel mildly tender and may bleed slightly when you brush or floss.
- Your teeth may be temporarily sensitive to cold, heat or sweets.
- These sensations should gradually improve over the next several days.
Home Care
- Continue brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure if the gums are tender.
- Do not stop brushing or flossing because of minor bleeding. Gentle, consistent cleaning helps the gums become healthier.
- A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth may help if you notice temperature sensitivity.
- If your gums feel sore, a gentle warm salt-water rinse may be soothing.
When to Contact Us
Please contact our office if:
- Pain, swelling or bleeding is significant or becoming worse.
- Bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure.
- Tooth sensitivity is severe or is not gradually improving.
- You have a question about the brushing, flossing or other home-care techniques recommended for you.
Regular home care and professional cleanings work together. Keeping both parts of that routine consistent helps limit future buildup and gum inflammation.
Beaird Family Dental
Poplar Bluff: (573) 778-0200 · Dexter: (573) 624-8005
This guide was written and reviewed by Dr. Justin Shaw, DMD.
Last reviewed, .