Dentist in Peoria IL Discusses Deep Dental Cleanings

If you’ve just had a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums, there are some instructions you’ll want to follow for quicker healing from our dentist in Peoria, Dr. Whitson. Follow these steps that we believe is the best course of action for your oral health.

 

After Your Deep Cleaning

It’s likely that your gums will feel tender for a few days. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water for at least two days. You can do this twice each day and you’ll notice a reduction in tenderness and faster healing. To make the mixture, take a teaspoon of salt and combine it well with 8-ounces of warm water. 

 

If the pain becomes unbearable, you have the option to take two 200mg tablets of ibuprofen every four hours. Not only does this remove the discomfort, but it also reduces inflammation.

 

You might notice some sensitivity to hot and cold liquids or foods for a few days. This is normal, but shouldn’t continue for more than a week. Use sensitive-formulated toothpaste for those days, but call Dr. Whitson if the discomfort persists.

 

For the first couple of days, you need to avoid any small, hard foods which could get caught in the gum tissue. This includes nuts, seeds and popcorn. If these get stuck in the gum, you could end up with a gum abscess which is painful and requires further dental care.

 

Continue to follow your regular oral health routine. Brushing twice a day is still essential during this time, just be gentle. You can also floss to remove plaque, but be careful not to damage the gums. Many people think they should leave the plaque alone during this time, but that will just slow down your healing and ruin the benefits of your treatment.

 

Call for Help

If you’re struggling with any abnormal symptoms or concerns, don’t be afraid to contact our dentist in Peoria, IL for help. Our team is available to walk with you through the healing process. Call our office at (309) 688-7321 to schedule a consultation or appointment to further discuss ways to care for your smile during this time.