A dental cleaning leaves your mouth feeling fresh and healthy, but raises an important question: “How long should I wait to eat?” To safeguard your general oral health and maximize the advantages of your dental cleaning, it’s critical to know when to eat.
We will share what happens during a dental cleaning and what the best practices are for eating afterward.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is more than just scraping off plaque and tartar. Dentist in Chaska & Mound uses specialized dental tools to deep clean your teeth/jaw, including:
- Scaling: Scaling clears your teeth and gum line of tartar, or hardened plaque.
- Polishing: Polishing allows for buffing and polishing of your teeth using a special paste or robot to remove stains and gum imperfections on the surface of your teeth.
- Fluoride Treatment: Anytime fluoride is applied, a gel or foam is used or both to strengthen enamel and slow the rate of cavities.
Knowing that a dental cleaning involves some treatment, it is essential to watch what or when you eat afterward.
Can You Eat Right After a Dental Cleaning?
The response relates to whether you received a fluoride treatment.
- If you had fluoride treatment, then you want to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking, so that the fluoride will have time to absorb and help protect your teeth.
- If you did not have fluoride, you can eat immediately, but it is still smart to make good food choices to help protect your clean, polished teeth.
Your dental office can provide specific direction on post-cleaning care.
Best Foods to Eat After a Dental Cleaning
Following a cleaning, it is common for teeth and gums to be somewhat sensitive. Eat soft, non-acidic foods to minimize discomfort. Dental cleaning near you will frequently suggest the following:
- Dairy Options: High in calcium and gentle on teeth are yogurt, milk, and cheese.
- Soft Fruits: Bananas and seedless watermelon are easy to chew and have less of a chance of irritating the gums.
- Cooked Vegetables: Steamed carrots or mashed potatoes are nutritious and soft.
- Protein Options: For scrambled eggs, tofu or fish, which are high in protein without being hard on teeth.
Foods to Avoid After a Dental Cleaning
Certain foods can cause discomfort or undo the benefits of your cleaning. Avoid these foods for at least a few hours:
- Sugary and Sticky Foods– Dried fruits, caramel, and candy can adhere to your teeth and promote the formation of plaque.
- Crunchy and Hard Foods– Nuts, chips, and raw vegetables can irritate your gums or cause sensitivity.
- Acidic and Citrus Foods– Oranges, lemons, and tomatoes can weaken enamel and cause irritation.
- Dark-Colored Beverages– Coffee, tea, and soda can stain your freshly polished teeth.
If you’re wondering about eating after a dental cleaning, it’s best to stick with soft foods to prevent irritation and staining.
Does Drinking Matter After a Dental Cleaning?
Yes! Do not drink anything for 30 minutes after receiving a fluoride treatment.
Even without fluoride, it’s best to drink water instead of sugary or acidic drinks. What to eat after teeth cleaning depends on your individual needs, but water is always a safe choice.
How Long After a Deep Cleaning Can You Eat?
Compared to a routine cleaning, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) requires more work.
It removes plaque and bacteria from deep pockets around the teeth, which can make your gums sensitive.
Wait at least an hour before eating after thorough cleaning. For the first 24 to 48 hours, limit your intake to soft meals and stay away from anything that is extremely hot, spicy, or crunchy.
Can you eat after a dental cleaning? Yes, but especially after a thorough cleaning, you need to pay attention to what you consume.
How to Keep Your Teeth Clean After Eating
To maintain the benefits of your cleaning, follow these simple oral hygiene tips:
- Brush Gently: Brush twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
- Floss Every Day: Flossing once a day helps maintain healthy gums.
- Use Mouthwash: Plaque can be lessened by using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Drink Water: After eating, rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles.
- Refrain from smoking: Smoking causes tooth discoloration and increases the risk of gum disease.
Following these post-dental cleaning eating guidelines will help you maintain a bright and healthy smile.
The Bottom Line
Eating after a dental cleaning isn’t complicated, but making smart choices can help you maintain a healthy smile. Whether you received fluoride treatment or a deep cleaning, being mindful of what you eat can protect your teeth and gums. A dental office near you can provide personalized guidance on the best post-cleaning care.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, our team at West Lakes Dentistry is here to help. Meet us for your next cleaning today!