A dental cleaning is a routine dental procedure that leaves you with a sparkly, confident and beautiful smile. In order to retain the spark, there are some instructions dentists ask you to follow.
One of the most important instructions is about eating after your appointment – specifically, how long you should wait before having your next meal.
Let’s answer this question for you in this blog!
Ideal Wait Timings Based on Type of Cleaning
Ideally, the answer to how long after dental cleaning can you eat depends on the type of treatment you have received. Here is what you need to know:
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Cleaning with Fluoride or Air Polishing
If your dentist applied fluoride or used an air polisher, you should wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Fluoride works like a shield. It strengthens your teeth and protects them from cavities. Eating too soon can wash it away, making it less effective. Through waiting, you let it sit and absorbing into enamel.
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Cleaning Without Fluoride
If you did not get fluoride in your treatment, you can usually eat right after cleaning. Just be gentle with your teeth and gums. Sometimes they can feel a little sensitive. Try to avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods for a while so you don’t feel any discomfort.
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Deep Cleaning or Numbing
If you had a deep cleaning involving anesthesia, wait at least an hour before eating. Your mouth may feel sore or numb.
Eating too soon could irritate your gums or make you bite your lip or tongue by accident. Start with soft foods like soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes until your mouth feels normal again.
Foods You Should Not Eat After Cleaning
If you have had a dental cleaning, here are some food items you should avoid shortly:
- Coffee
- Soda
- Tea
- Tomato sauce
- Red wine
- Beetroot
- Spices
- Berries
Post-cleaning, your teeth are the most permeable which means they can easily soak in the color resulting in staining.
Lastly, it is also recommended to steer clear from smoking, tobacco and alcohol use as they can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
Foods You Can Eat After Dental Cleaning
While you can eat anything and everything after a dental cleaning, it is important to aim for soft and light foods right after your appointment. Here are some options:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Soup
- Applesauce
- Pureed fruits
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Steamed veggies
These options are light and gentle on your teeth reducing the chances of irritation, sensitivity and staining.
Tips to Take Care of Your Teeth Post Cleaning
Once your teeth are cleaned, it is important to take good care of them to sustain results. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after every meal
- Drink plenty of water
- See your dentist every six months to maintain good oral health
Overall Insight
Many people ask when they can resume eating after dental cleaning. And rightly so, eating the wrong things soon can reverse the benefits of treatment. If you have had cleaning with fluoride, wait for 30 minutes at least. If not, you can usually eat right after. For deeper cleanings involving anesthesia, it is recommended to wait for an hour.
If you have more questions regarding this, consult our dentists at Smile Designs Dentistry for personalized guidance. Call us today!