Our experts at Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH proudly provide a scaling and root planing procedure for clients with symptoms of periodontal or gum disease. The practice removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline. The effort preserves your gums, as periodontal health is critical to a healthy mouth.
The process is critical for your dental health, but it takes a few weeks for your teeth to recover. You may experience increased sensitivity in the area for a few weeks, plus you may notice some discomfort. These are natural parts of the healing process.
Dr. Kevin Boulard recommends a few tips to help you manage your teeth after undergoing scaling and root planing therapy. These ideas will keep you from experiencing increased pain following the procedure.
1. Rinse your gums with warm salt water
Warm salt water will relax your gums after eating, preventing irritation. Salt water can also loosen debris from around the teeth, making it easier for you to brush later. Use about a quarter of a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of water for the best result. The total should be enough to help you rinse your gums without becoming an irritant.
2. Be gentle when brushing
Brushing is critical to your dental health, but you must ensure that you are cautious when brushing after scaling and root planing therapy. Our dentist in Merrimack, NH recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush that will not irritate your teeth and gums. A hard-bristled brush will cause your gums to go further back from your teeth, plus it may harm some exposed parts of your gums.
Be sure to also use circular strokes when brushing. You’ll need to move a little slower when brushing this way, although that ensures you won’t irritate your gums any further.
3. Use a water flosser for cleaning between the teeth
While flossing is always useful, floss can irritate the gums after root scaling at Something To Smile About. It may trigger bleeding, especially if you use non-coated floss. A water flosser can help you clean your teeth without forcing its way in between the teeth. The gentle flow of water through the teeth makes it easier for you to clean your teeth.
4. Watch your diet until the area heals
Your teeth and gums are more sensitive to various foods and drinks after the root planing procedure. Dr. Boulard recommends avoiding hot and spicy foods and alcohols until the area heals, as these products can be severe irritants. You must also avoid tobacco products, as these will cause undue stress to your gums.
The best rule of thumb is to consume only soft food for the first 48 hours after your procedure. Try to go a little further than that if possible.
5. Avoid intensive physical activity after your procedure.
Aerobic activities and other intense physical efforts can trigger stress in your gums after your procedure. Keep things easy and avoid anything too extreme. You can return to these high-pressure physical activities after the healing process is complete.
Where you can find out more information about scaling and root planing in Merrimack, NH
If you are looking for a quality dentist in Merrimack, NH to take care of all of your periodontal needs, contact us today. Dr. Kevin Boulard or a member of our expert team can answer all of your questions about scaling and root planing, and how to manage your care after your procedure. At Something To Smile About, we believe that proper periodontal work and gum maintenance are paramount to good oral health.