What to Expect After a Dental Deep Cleaning
Dentists use dental deep cleaning to clear out excessive amounts of plaque and tartar from beneath the gums and surrounding teeth. Allowing plaque to build up can increase chances of getting gum disease and weaken important tissue in the mouth. Understanding the positive results after a cleaning can encourage patients to visit a dentist more frequently and maintain good oral hygiene at home.
Reasons to get a deep cleaning
Not everyone needs a dental deep cleaning, but someone with enlarged pockets between their teeth and gums may be experiencing the initial stages of gum disease. Plaque that hides in those pockets is the main contributor to the problem, and removing it can prevent the disease.
Gingivitis
The first part of gum disease comes in the form of inflamed, red, and sensitive gums known as gingivitis. This is a stepping stone for periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, which can lead to the destruction of tissue and ligaments securing teeth to the jawbone. Should these crucial elements weaken or get completely destroyed, a patient is more likely to lose teeth. The bacteria in plaque cause this deterioration by emitting toxins into the nearby gums. A dentist only needs to remove the plaque to eradicate the disease.
Maintaining good health
A dental deep cleaning can reach places a toothbrush and floss cannot. A patient can receive a deep cleaning simply as a preventative measure and to keep up with good oral hygiene. Patients can always bring gum problems to the attention of a dentist to see if a deep cleaning is necessary.
After the procedure
Patients who have suffered from gum disease symptoms can expect improvement in teeth and gum health in the weeks following the procedure. Following at-home care procedures indicated by the dentist helps ensure a smoother recovery.
The healing process
After the procedure, inflammation should go down and gums should return to their natural pink color, no longer red. Teeth and gums may be overly sensitive a few days afterward, but this should fade with time. If tenderness is causing discomfort, patients should eat softer, mushier foods and avoid hot and cold foods until the sensitivity has passed.
At-home care
Along with minor changes in diet until the mouth has adjusted, patients should brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Using a toothbrush with softer bristles can ease achiness in tender areas. Press gently in spots that are sore. A dentist may advise rinsing with warm salt water to prevent infection as the mouth heals.
More appointments
Dentists usually ask patients back for a follow-up appointment several weeks after the dental deep cleaning to make sure everything is healing properly. Patients who have shown signs of gum disease should visit the dentist more often for cleanings to prevent plaque buildup.
Conclusion
The steps patients must take to care for their teeth after a deep cleaning is nothing compared to getting gum disease. Taking preventative steps now saves many patients from pain and oral health problems down the road.
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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