What to Expect After Your Dental Cleaning: A Patient's Guide

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At New Horizon Dental Center, we believe that maintaining good oral health is a collaborative effort between you and your dental team. A key aspect of this collaboration is understanding what to expect after your dental cleaning. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process and provide you with some helpful tips on how to keep your smile healthy and shining.

The Dental Cleaning Process

During your dental cleaning, our skilled hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth using specialized tools. This process, known as scaling, is followed by polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and flossing to ensure there's no debris left behind. Depending on the amount of buildup and the overall condition of your teeth and gums, the entire cleaning process typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

What to Expect After Your Cleaning

After your cleaning, it's not uncommon to experience some tooth sensitivity, particularly if there was a significant amount of tartar buildup. This sensitivity should gradually diminish within a few days. However, if it persists or becomes painful, please don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist.

You may also notice that your gums feel slightly tender and may even bleed a little when you brush or floss. This is a normal occurrence and should improve within a week. During this time, be gentle with your brushing and flossing. If the bleeding is severe or doesn't stop after a week, please contact your dentist.

Another change you might observe is that your teeth feel different when you run your tongue over them. They may feel smoother and even a bit unusual at first. This is because all the plaque and tartar have been removed, exposing the natural surface of your teeth.

Tips for Maintaining Your Oral Health

To maintain the results of your dental cleaning and keep your smile healthy between visits, New Horizon Dental Center recommends the following tips:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
  • Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

In addition to maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home, it's crucial to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health, detect any potential issues early on, and provide necessary treatments. During these appointments, your dentist may also perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. By catching and addressing any concerns in their early stages, you can prevent more serious and costly problems from developing in the future. At New Horizon Dental Center, we recommend scheduling dental check-ups and cleanings every six months, or as advised by your dentist based on your individual needs.

Your Partner in Oral Health

At New Horizon Dental Center, our Gilbert dental team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions or concerns following your cleaning, please don't hesitate to ask. We are always here to provide you with guidance and support. Contact us at (480) 664-2270 to get the conversation started! 

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