Taking care of your oral hygiene is one of the most important ways to protect your teeth and avoid dental problems. But what should you do after a professional dental cleaning? Does removing tartar (calculus) weaken the teeth? Can you eat right after teeth cleaning? And what are the key tips you should follow after scaling and polishing?
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about professional teeth cleaning.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning at the dentist’s office is a procedure in which plaque and tartar (calculus) buildup are removed from the teeth using sterilized instruments.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
It’s generally recommended to have a professional dental cleaning once or twice a year.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether you currently need a cleaning.
Some people may need to have their teeth cleaned three times a year, depending on their oral health.
Does Removing Tartar Weaken the Teeth?
If you avoid professional cleanings because you’re worried they might weaken your teeth, you may actually be putting your teeth at risk due to this misconception:
– Professional cleaning helps protect your teeth and does not cause them to weaken.
– It is the accumulated tartar on your teeth that contributes to weakening and wearing down the tooth structure.
– All dentists recommend routine professional cleanings to maintain healthy teeth and prevent them from becoming weak.
Is Tartar Removal Harmful to the Teeth?
Dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned and tartar removed at least once a year. Scaling is not harmful to the teeth; on the contrary, removing tartar has several benefits, including:
– Giving you a more attractive, brighter smile.
– Eliminating bad breath caused by tartar and plaque buildup.
– Helping prevent gum recession and gum inflammation (gingivitis).
– Reducing bacteria trapped within plaque layers.
– Improving overall oral health and giving a feeling of freshness.
– Helping protect the teeth from loosening and possible tooth loss.
When Can You Eat After a Tartar Cleaning?
– You can usually eat right after having tartar removed.
– If your dentist applied a fluoride treatment during the visit, you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
What Happens After Tartar Is Removed?
After the cleaning session, you may notice some temporary side effects that usually go away in a short time. The most common include:
– Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks.
– Jaw or facial muscle fatigue from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.
Can Gums Grow Back After Tartar Removal?
If you have gum recession, you may wonder whether your gums can return to their normal position after professional cleaning and good oral care. The answer depends on the severity:
– With mild gum recession, the gums may partially recover and look healthier after proper cleaning and home care.
– In more advanced cases of gum recession, the gums do not return to their original position just from cleaning; you will need to see a periodontist (gum specialist) for appropriate treatment, which may include surgical gum procedures.
Tips After Professional Tartar Removal
Here are the most important tips to follow after having tartar removed from your teeth:
– Brush your teeth twice daily.
– Use a fluoride toothpaste.
– Choose a suitable toothbrush, preferably a soft-bristled one.
– Clean between your teeth with dental floss or a water flosser.
– Rinse your mouth with water after drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea.
– Avoid smoking.
– Use an antibacterial mouthwash as recommended by your dentist.
Dr. Fares Matouq
– Bachelor’s degree in Dentistry and Oral Surgery from Al-Qalamoun University – Damascus.
– Completed multiple courses in cosmetic dentistry and smile design.
– 11 years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Areas of interest and expertise include:
– All types of prosthodontic services (bridges, crowns, and porcelain veneers such as veneers and Lumineers).
– Cosmetic dental treatments (esthetic fillings, tooth restoration, Hollywood smile makeovers).
– Comprehensive smile makeovers within a full treatment plan, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions.
