After scaling, many people wonder whether they must fast or avoid certain things. In general you can eat and drink straight away, you only need to watch a few things so teeth and gums feel comfortable.
- After scaling you usually do not need to fast, only wait until numbness has gone if an anaesthetic was used.
- In the first few hours limit very hot, very cold, sour, spicy and very hard food, and coffee or strong tea.
- Brush gently twice a day and clean between the teeth with floss.
- Bleeding that will not stop, growing pain or lasting sensitivity means you should return for a check.
Scaling is a gentle procedure and usually needs no anaesthetic, so many people ask whether they must fast or avoid anything afterwards. The short answer is that you usually do not need to fast, you only need to watch a few things in the first hours so teeth and gums feel less uncomfortable.
How soon can you eat and drink after scaling?
If no anaesthetic was used, you can eat and drink straight after. If one area was numbed, wait until the numbness has gone before eating to avoid biting your lip and cheek. See also whether scaling hurts.
What should you limit in the first few hours?
- Very hot or very cold food, since freshly cleaned teeth may be more sensitive than usual, see whether sensitivity after scaling is normal.
- Sour, spicy and salty food, since the gums may be a little tender or stinging.
- Very hard, chewy or crunchy food such as bones, ice and hard seeds.
- Coffee, strong tea, red wine and smoking, since the tooth surface picks up stain easily at this point.
Caring for your teeth after scaling
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush, even on the evening itself.
- Clean between the teeth with floss, see how to floss properly.
- Rinse with saline if the gums sting a little.
Are slight bleeding and gaps a problem?
The gums may bleed slightly in the first few days if they were inflamed before, and this lessens as they recover. Some people notice larger gaps after tartar is removed, because the tartar had been hiding the space, see whether gaps after scaling are normal.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. If after scaling the gums bleed heavily and will not stop, pain grows, or swelling or sensitivity lasts, return so the dentist can check. You can walk in during opening hours or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, and read about our scaling service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fast after scaling?
Usually not. If no anaesthetic was used you can eat and drink straight away. If you were numbed, wait until the numbness has gone to avoid biting your lip and cheek.
What food should I avoid after scaling?
In the first few hours limit very hot, very cold, sour, spicy and very hard food, as teeth and gums may be a little sensitive. Coffee and strong tea also stain easily.
Is bleeding of the gums after scaling a problem?
Slight bleeding in the first few days is fairly common if the gums were inflamed and it eases. If it is heavy and will not stop, or lasts, return to be checked.