When Can I Eat After a Teeth Cleaning?

Many people schedule their dental cleanings during their lunch break or right after work or school. 

For this reason, it’s common to be quite hungry after a teeth cleaning in Regina, SK. 

It can be tempting to head straight for the snacks, but you also want to ensure you do not interfere with the results of your dental appointment. 

So, when can you eat after a teeth cleaning?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about eating and drinking after a dental cleaning!

When Can I Eat After a Teeth Cleaning?

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Before diving into when you can eat after a teeth cleaning, it helps to understand what the appointment includes. 

Most dental cleanings in Regina, SK start with a professional brushing and flossing. The dental team then scrapes your teeth as necessary to remove excess plaque and bacteria. 

Many times, dentists then apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth. The fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth, protecting them against decay. Whether or not your appointment includes fluoride treatment determines when you can eat after it. 

How Long to Wait to Eat After a Teeth Cleaning in Regina, SK

If your dental cleaning did not include a fluoride treatment, then you can technically eat immediately after your visit. 

However, you will likely experience a bit of tooth sensitivity after your cleanings. Therefore, you may want to avoid foods that are very hot, very cold, sticky, or sweet right after your appointment. You should be comfortable eating anything you’d like within a few hours. Using a sensitive toothpaste can also help combat sensitivity after a dental cleaning. 

If your tooth cleaning includes fluoride treatment, then you should wait at least 30 minutes after treatment to eat or drink. Waiting allows the fluoride treatment to seal around your teeth and begin to strengthen your enamel. Eating too soon can disrupt this process and negate the effect of the fluoride treatment. 

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Regina, SK

Since dental cleanings do not require any anesthesia or invasive procedures, they do not impact your ability to eat for long. You will only need to wait 30 minutes to eat or drink if you receive fluoride treatment. 

Dental cleanings in Regina are important to preventing oral health issues and keeping your teeth looking their best. Visit Signature Smiles general general dental clinic in Regina, SK for your oral healthcare needs, including dental cleanings.  

Schedule your teeth cleaning appointment today! 

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