Can I Eat After a Teeth Cleaning?
There’s nothing quite like the smooth, fresh feeling of your teeth right after a professional cleaning. A visit to Vitality Oral Health can leave you with a brighter smile and a renewed sense of oral health, but soon after, you might get hungry, leaving you to wonder what you can eat.
It’s generally a good idea to wait about 30 minutes before you eat after a teeth cleaning, especially if a fluoride treatment was used. This short delay gives the fluoride time to absorb properly and strengthen your tooth enamel. Your gums can also be a little sensitive, so giving them a brief rest can be helpful for your comfort.
Foods to Enjoy After Your Appointment
After your cleaning, your mouth will likely appreciate soft foods that are gentle on your teeth and gums. You can choose options that don’t require much chewing and are less likely to cause irritation while your mouth settles down.
These choices are not only easy on a potentially sensitive mouth, but they also tend to be neutral in colour, so you don’t have to worry about staining your newly polished teeth. Try sticking to foods like:
- Smoothies or yogurt
- Soups and broths
- Mashed potatoes or bananas
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta or noodles
What to Avoid After a Teeth Cleaning
For the first 24 hours, your freshly polished teeth may be more susceptible to stains. It’s smart to avoid certain foods and drinks to keep your smile sparkling and to prevent any unnecessary discomfort.
Steer Clear of Staining Foods and Drinks
Because your teeth have been polished, they are more prone to surface staining for a short time, which can contribute to tooth discolouration. To maintain that clean, bright look, you may want to stay away from:
- Coffee, tea, or red wine
- Dark berries or fruit juices
- Soy sauce or tomato sauce
- Colourful candies
Skip Hard, Sticky, or Crunchy Foods
Your gums sometimes feel tender after a thorough cleaning. Hard or sticky foods can cause discomfort and get stuck in these sensitive areas, so it’s a good idea to avoid them for a day to protect your overall gum health. Try to steer clear of:
- Popcorn or nuts
- Hard candies or caramels
- Crunchy chips or crackers
Avoid Acidic and Extreme Temperature Foods
Sensitivity to very hot or cold temperatures is common right after a cleaning. Acidic foods can also increase this sensitivity and cause discomfort in teeth and gums for some people. Try to avoid foods like:
- Citrus fruits like oranges or lemons
- Very hot soups or drinks
- Ice cream or frozen treats
A Quick Look at the Teeth Cleaning Process
Understanding what happens during your professional cleaning helps explain why this aftercare is so beneficial. The process involves a few key steps that leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
First, a dental hygienist carefully removes dental plaque and hardened tartar from around your gum line and between your teeth. This step is a key part of preventing cavities and gum concerns.
The Final Polish and Fluoride
Next, your teeth get polished with a special paste that helps remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. The hygienist may use a slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins to apply a slightly gritty paste. This step buffs away any remaining stains, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and glossy. The appointment often finishes with a fluoride treatment, which can be applied to your teeth to help protect them until your next visit.
Does a Teeth Clean Whiten Your Teeth?
You may notice that your teeth look brighter after your cleaning appointment. A professional cleaning can remove the built-up surface stains caused by daily food and drinks. This process often reveals a brighter, cleaner-looking smile. However, this is different from a professional whitening treatment, which changes the natural shade of your teeth.
How to Care for Your Smile Between Visits
Keeping your teeth healthy is an ongoing effort that continues after you leave the dental chair. A few simple habits can make a significant difference in your long-term oral health.
Brush and Floss Daily
The foundation of a healthy smile is consistent at-home care. Following proper brushing and flossing techniques can remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Regular cleanings (usually every 6 months) are important for your overall oral health. Scheduling your next visit with a dentist in Calgary helps our team spot any potential issues early.
Keep Your Smile Bright with Us
A little care after your dental cleaning goes a long way in keeping your smile sparkling and clean. Our entire team at Vitality Oral Health is dedicated to providing compassionate care that supports your health and well-being. Schedule your next appointment today.