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Beaird Family Dental

Patient guideTake-home instructions

Deep Cleaning After-Care

Your gums and teeth may feel different after scaling and root planing. Mild tenderness, sensitivity and slight bleeding can be normal while the tissues begin to heal.

A dental professional and a smiling patient discuss a tooth model.

Taking time to understand your oral health.

While Your Mouth Is Numb

  • Wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing to reduce the chance of biting your lip, cheek or tongue.
  • Be careful with hot foods and drinks because you may not accurately feel their temperature.
  • If only part of your mouth was treated, chew on the untreated side once it is safe to eat.

Common Sensations

  • Your gums may feel sore and may bleed slightly when you brush or clean between the teeth.
  • Cold sensitivity can occur after tartar is removed from the root surfaces. This should gradually improve.
  • Your teeth may look slightly longer or spaces may seem more noticeable as gum swelling decreases. This is a common result of the gums becoming less inflamed.
  • Your jaw may feel mildly sore from keeping your mouth open.

Eating and Drinking

  • Choose foods that are comfortable to chew during the first day. Softer, lukewarm foods are often easiest.
  • Avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, crunchy or sharp foods if they irritate the treated gums.
  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid smoking or vaping because they can interfere with gum healing.

Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums

  • Continue brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use gentle pressure around tender areas.
  • Continue cleaning between your teeth as instructed. Minor bleeding is not a reason to stop, but avoid forceful cleaning that injures the gums.
  • A gentle warm salt-water rinse may soothe the gums. If a prescription mouth rinse was provided, use it exactly as directed.
  • A toothpaste made for sensitive teeth may help with temporary temperature sensitivity.

Medication and Follow-Up Care

  • If you normally take an over-the-counter pain reliever safely, you may use it as directed on the label for mild discomfort.
  • Take any medication prescribed by your dentist according to the instructions provided.
  • Keep your scheduled follow-up and periodontal maintenance visits. Deep cleaning controls the active buildup, but regular home and professional care are needed to manage gum disease over time.

When to Contact Us

Please contact our office if:

  • Bleeding is heavy or does not settle.
  • Pain or swelling is severe, is becoming worse or is not gradually improving.
  • You develop fever, drainage, pus or a persistent bad taste.
  • Your bite feels different after the numbness has worn off.
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Beaird Family Dental
Poplar Bluff: (573) 778-0200 · Dexter: (573) 624-8005

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Last reviewed, .

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Poplar Bluff(573) 778-0200 Dexter(573) 624-8005