Did you just have your teeth cleaning procedure done?
As a part of proper oral care, dentists stress dental cleaning. While brushing and flossing are crucial to removing bacteria and contaminants from your teeth, professional dental cleaning is equally important. Thanks to this procedure, the dentist manages to clean the areas of your teeth which might be challenging for you to reach. Once the dental cleaning process is over, your teeth will feel much cleaner. So, you may be wondering: How long after teeth cleaning can I eat?
In this blog, we will discuss how long it will take to eat after the teeth cleaning procedure. We will also discuss what foods you should eat and avoid.
When Can I Eat After Teeth Cleaning?
After the teeth cleaning procedure, your mouth will feel squeaky clean and fresh. You may be confused when to eat, and the numbness might make it harder for you to eat as well. The numbness in your mouth may also increase the possibility of you accidentally biting your tongue or cheek. Hence, it is better to ask your dentist when you should continue eating after the cleaning procedure. There are a few factors that also determine when the right time to eat is, such as:
- With Fluoride Treatment:
Did you also have a fluoride treatment along with the teeth cleaning session? If so, you will have to wait at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink something. This is because the fluoride will require sufficient time to fully soak into your teeth, strengthening them. That’s not all — you should also avoid eating anything acidic. - Just Dental Cleaning:
If you only had dental cleaning, then you can continue eating and drinking as soon as you want. However, that does not mean you dive your teeth into whatever you want. Moreover, your gums and teeth may be sore after the procedure; you will need to be careful regarding your diet. Again, acidic food is a big no-no since it erodes dental enamel and might aggravate your teeth or gums, causing discomfort.
Foods & Drinks to Eat or Avoid After Teeth Cleaning
Some foods and drinks are good to eat after dental cleaning, while others might be detrimental. You can ask your dental specialist what to include in your diet as well as what to exclude.
Here are some soft food options to have after dental cleaning:
- Eggs
- Smoothies
- Mashed Potatoes
- Mac & Cheese
- Apple Sauce
- Mashed Bananas
- Soup
- Soft rice
- Pasta
There are certain foods that will undo all the work and efforts your dentist did during dental cleaning. Plus, they might interfere with the healing of your gums and teeth. Therefore, for the time being, here are some foods and drinks to avoid after teeth cleaning:
- Acidic Foods and Fruits
- Spicy Foods
- Alcoholic Foods and Drinks
- Crunchy or Sharp Foods
- Extremely Hot Foods and Drinks
- Hard Food
The Takeaway
To maintain the results of your teeth whitening, it is best to avoid certain foods and drinks. You can include soft foods in your diet for the first few days to ensure your sore gums and teeth heal properly.
At Smile 4 Ever Dentistry, we only have your best interests at heart. Talk to us now at (281) 213-5668 or give us a visit at 14715 TC Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77068.