What to Do After Your Boise Dentist Visit
It’s very important to see the dentist regularly, but what should you do after? This guide explains what to do after your Boise dentist visit.
Keyword(s): Boise dentist
Nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. Moreover, one in four Americans has untreated tooth decay. While it’s true that regular dental check-ups can prevent these issues, what you do after seeing the dentist is just as important.
Regular visits to your local Boise dentist are essential for catching problems early. Dr. Crump at Boise Family Dental Care will look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and more. Depending on your treatment, you may not be able to eat or drink for several hours afterward.
Root canal aftercare, for instance, has the role to prevent infections and facilitate healing. As a rule of thumb, we recommend avoiding sugar, hard or sticky foods, and very hot drinks in the first few hours following the procedure.
Even if your teeth and gums are healthy, you still need to practice good oral hygiene and avoid certain foods. Soda and fruit juices, for example, are highly acidic and should only be consumed occasionally.
Interested to find out more? Here’s what you should do after seeing the dentist in order to keep your teeth healthy and avoid complications!
Know What to Do After a Teeth Cleaning
Let’s start with teeth cleaning aftercare.
During this procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your mouth. Next, he will clean your teeth with an electric brush and professional toothpaste.
After flossing your teeth, the dentist will apply fluoride to prevent cavities. Children may also need molar sealants.
However, just because your teeth are now squeaky clean doesn’t mean you should indulge in chocolate, ice cream, and other treats. The teeth are more sensitive after a deep cleaning, so it’s best to avoid the following foods and beverages:
- Citrus fruits
- Very hot or very cold foods and drinks
- Sticky foods
- Crunchy snacks
- Fresh fruit juices
- Soft drinks
- Nuts, seeds, and popcorn
Feel free to eat bananas, yogurt, applesauce, eggs, or soup at room temperature. Drink plenty of water and avoid acidic drinks, such as coke and orange juice. Cut back on sugar to keep your teeth healthy between cleaning sessions.
If you experience pain or discomfort following a deep cleaning, rinse your mouth with warm salt water four to six times per day. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Advil or Ibuprofen, may help too.
Root Canal Aftercare
A root canal involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp of a tooth. Its role is to save your tooth and prevent future infections. Although the treatment is painless, some patients could experience complications over the next few days.
The best way to prevent complications is to follow your doctor’s advice which may include avoiding eating and drinking for a couple of hours after the treatment. Take your medications as prescribed, even if you’re not in pain.
Your local Boise dentist will suggest eating soft foods in the first few days following a root canal. Brush your teeth gently and avoid any foods and beverages that are very hot or cold.
Here’s what you can eat once the numbness wears off:
- Yogurt
- Cooked vegetables
- Rice, quinoa, or pasta
- Ripe or canned fruit
- Creamy peanut butter
- Soft bread
Steer clear of candies, chewing gum, walnuts, peanuts, and other crunchy or sticky foods as they may damage the temporary filling. You’ll be able to enjoy them again after you get a permanent crown.
Note that you may also need to take some time off the gym for a few days. Strenuous workouts can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the healing process.
However, this doesn’t mean you should lie in bed. Feel free to go out for a walk or engage in light exercise, such as yoga, Pilates, or stretching.
Do’s and Don’ts after Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom tooth is infected or affects the surrounding teeth, your dentist may recommend taking it out. Wisdom tooth removal is a minor surgery and therefore, it requires adequate aftercare.
At Boise Family Dental Care, we’ll take the steps needed to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure. But it’s your responsibility to follow our instructions after leaving the dental office.
Start by applying ice in the first 12 hours post-surgery to prevent swelling and heal faster. Take your medications as prescribed, especially in the first two days. Call Dr. Crump if you experience nausea or other side effects.
While some bleeding is normal after having your wisdom tooth removed, it should stop pretty quickly. Fill two or three glasses with cool water and rinse your mouth. Next, check the areas where your teeth were extracted.
If you notice any bleeding, apply pressure on the affected area by using a gauze or tea bag. Contact us or your dentist in Boise if the bleeding persists after the next 30 minutes of continuous pressure.
As far as your diet goes, go for liquid or soft foods. Smoothies, milkshakes, fruit purees, yogurt, and soups shouldn’t cause any problems. Just make sure you don’t use sucking straws.
Beware that alcohol is off-limits. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of infection, so it’s better to ditch this habit for a few days.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene After Seeing Your Boise Dentist
At the end of the day, oral hygiene has the biggest impact on dental health. Even if you see your Boise dentist for a routine checkup, what you do afterward is paramount!
Make a habit out of brushing and flossing after every meal. Avoid sugary foods, acidic drinks, and coffee. The latter isn’t necessarily unhealthy, but it can stain your teeth.
Remember that prevention is your best defense. Contact our team to discuss your needs and book an appointment with Dr. Crump today to start your road to healthy gums and teeth.
