After Treatment -It is normal for your gums to feel tender. We strongly recommend rinsing twice daily for two days with warm (not hot) salt water to speed-up healing and reduce tenderness. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in a glass of 8oz (1 cup) warm water.
To help soothe the area, rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water rinses. If you are prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine, use as directed. Resume your home care regimen of brushing twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and daily flossing immediately, but be gentle with the area recently treated.
Care of Mouth After Scaling and Root Planing
Starting today, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt to 1 cup water) to relive tenderness and promote healing of soft tissues. If you have sensitivity or discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication (i.e. Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol).
Doing too many salt rinses can cause gum irritation, bleeding, and enamel erosion. If you've recently had a tooth pulled, wait 24 hours before using a salt water rinse. Once the 24 hours are up, gently swish the saltwater mixture around your mouth to ensure you don't dislodge any blood clots and cause dry socket.
Do not rinse on the day of surgery; it may prolong your bleeding. Begin saltwater rinses the day after surgery and continue for 1 week. Rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times each day. To make the saltwater solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a small glass of warm tap water.
Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. Wait at least two hours before eating, and then select a soft diet for the first 48-72 hours, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid alcoholic drinks and hot or spicy foods until your gums are healed.
This is called scaling or debridement. Once the plaque is removed, the next step is root planing. The periodontist uses tools to smooth out the surfaces of the roots. This takes care of any remaining bacteria, resulting in a clean, even surface that the gums can reattach to.
Immediately after a deep cleaning you might have some discomfort and aching. After your mouth has had some time to heal you should notice some of the following improvements: Decreased bleeding when brushing and flossing. Better smelling breath.
While any gum loss experienced due to gum disease will not grow back, the majority of patients can expect their gums to reattach after undergoing a deep cleaning. This is because all of the harmful bacteria has been removed, allowing the gums to once again be healthy.
On average, it takes about 5 – 7 days for your gums to heal after deep cleaning. During this period, it's possible to experience minor gum soreness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity.
The disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include nerve damage and potential infections if you have a compromised immune system. The cleaning might cause pain, and sensitivity in the treatment doesn't guarantee reattachment of your gums to the teeth. The cleaning might even cause further gum recession.
Infection after dental cleaning
The process of dental cleaning can sometimes make your gums bleed slightly. Although it is rare, this can sometimes cause an infection to develop in the days after the procedure.
The American Dental Association recommends you see your dentist at least once a year for deep cleaning. If you have a history of gum disease, you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year to prevent infections or complications.
Avoid hot foods and beverages, like hot soup or hot coffee, for about 48 hours post-treatment. Avoid highly acidic foods, like oranges and tomatoes, for at least 48 hours post-treatment. Avoid spicy foods and alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours to promote healing.
The good news is you don't have to wait long. You can eat as soon as you feel ready to do so. But this is if you only had a deep dental cleaning. If your dentist did a cleaning and a fluoride treatment, you'll have to wait for at least thirty minutes.
Brush and floss gently following a deep cleaning, resuming normal brushing and flossing when the soreness is gone. If an antimicrobial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine Gluconate or peridex has been prescribed for you, rinse with it for 30 seconds daily before bedtime. Do not drink or eat for 30 minutes afterward.
Avoiding coffee for hours after your dental cleaning is critical because the dark dyes in coffee can stain your teeth. The dark components can make their way through the enamel in your teeth. The compounds can eventually cause the teeth to become dark and unappealing.
Scaling and root planing can manage the inflammation of the gum tissue. While it won't regenerate new gum tissue, it may encourage the remaining gum tissue to reattach to the teeth. If you've lost a great deal of gum tissue, then you may need a surgical treatment called a gum graft.
Healing Properties of Salt Water
Your dentist may suggest that you rinse your mouth with salt water after tooth extraction. This is because salt water is known for its natural healing properties. The at-home remedy can also be used to ease discomfort from mouth sores while aiding the recovery process.
After brushing and flossing, you can use a salt rinse three to four times a week. But don't use a salt rinse more often than this - too much sodium could have negative effects on your tooth enamel, like eventual erosion⁴.
After a tooth has been removed, it is possible for small particles of food to be lodged in the socket. We recommend a gentle salt water rinse to clean the area that is healing and prevent food from getting caught. The salt water promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Keeping your mouth clean with salt water prevents infection by keeping bacteria and food particles away from the open wounds. In addition to keeping your surgical sites clean, salt water rinses following wisdom teeth removal can alleviate discomfort by reducing swelling and help freshen your breath.