Understanding Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots. This helps eliminate the source of infection and inflammation in the gums and promotes the healing of gum tissue.

Caring for Your Gums After the Procedure

After scaling and root planing, your gums may feel sensitive and prone to bleeding or discomfort. Here are some essential tips for caring for your gums to ensure optimal healing and oral health.

1. Follow Proper Oral Hygiene Practices: Continue to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an approved toothpaste. Be gentle around the treated areas to avoid causing further irritation or damage to the gums. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline.
2. Use a Gentle Mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash recommended by your dentist. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can cause dryness and irritation to sensitive gum tissue. A gentle, antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and promote healing.
3. Avoid Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications after scaling and root planing. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your tobacco use to improve gum health and overall oral health.
4. Eat Soft Foods: Select soft foods for the first few days following scaling and root planing to avoid putting undue pressure on your gums. Choose foods that are easy to chew and won’t irritate sensitive gum tissue, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies.
5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Follow our dentist’s recommendations for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure that any remaining pockets of infection are addressed. Our dentist may recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your oral hygiene routine based on your individual needs.
6. Manage Discomfort with Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If you experience any discomfort or swelling after scaling and root planing, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by our dentist. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
7. Practice Good Overall Health Habits: Maintaining good overall health habits can support gum healing and reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and manage stress levels to support your body’s natural healing processes.
8. Communicate with Your Dentist: If you have any concerns or questions about caring for your gums after scaling and root planing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dentist. Our dentist can provide personalized guidance and recommendations to ensure your gums heal properly and you maintain optimal oral health.
   

Promoting Overall Oral Health

Caring for your gums after scaling and root planing is essential for promoting healing and preventing complications. By following proper oral hygiene practices, using gentle mouthwash, avoiding smoking, sticking to soft foods, attending follow-up appointments, managing discomfort with pain relievers, practicing good overall health habits, and communicating with our dentist, you can support gum healing and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

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