What Is a Dental Cleaning?
🦷 What Is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth using specialized tools. Our hygienists also polish your teeth and apply fluoride as needed. The entire process is painless, but you may notice some temporary sensitivity afterward.
🌟 Common Things You Might Experience After a Cleaning
Mild Tooth Sensitivity – You might notice your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold for a day or two, especially if you had a lot of buildup removed.
Gum Tenderness – Slight soreness or minor bleeding is normal if your gums were inflamed prior to the cleaning.
A Super Smooth Feeling – This is the fluoride polish and clean surface! It's the best sign that your cleaning was successful.
💡 Tips for Aftercare
Avoid Acidic Foods or Drinks: For a few hours, avoid soda, coffee, or citrus fruits to let fluoride settle.
Hold Off on Whitening Products: Post-cleaning, your enamel is slightly porous—avoid whitening strips for 24 hours.
Brush Gently That Night: Use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating freshly cleaned gums.
Drink Water: Stay hydrated and flush away any residual bacteria.
❗ When to Call Your Dentist
While most after-cleaning symptoms are mild, contact ESP Dental if you notice:
Prolonged bleeding or pain
Sensitivity lasting more than three days
Swelling or signs of infection
🏥 Count on ESP Dental in Phoenix, AZ
We love helping you keep your smile bright and healthy. Whether it’s your first cleaning or your 20th, our team at ESP Dental is here to make sure you leave informed, comfortable, and confident in your care.
