Check-up and clean · aftercare
After your check-up and clean
After a check-up and clean at Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows, most people feel fine straight away. Gums can be a little tender or bleed slightly for a day or two, and some teeth may feel sensitive to cold. Keep brushing gently. Call us if bleeding, pain or swelling gets worse.
When should you call us after a clean?
Go to hospital or call 000
- Swelling of your lips, tongue, face or throat, or trouble breathing (a possible allergic reaction: call 000)
- Swelling in your face or neck that is spreading
Call us today
- Gum bleeding that won't stop with gentle pressure
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- A swollen, throbbing area of gum, or a bad taste that won't go
Book the next available time
- Mild gum tenderness or slight bleeding when brushing
- Sensitivity to cold that is slowly improving
What's normal after a scale and clean?
- Tender gums for a day or two, particularly where there was a lot of tartar or inflammation.
- A little bleeding when you brush or floss, which should reduce as your gums become healthier.
- Sensitivity to cold, often where tartar was covering the tooth near the gum line.
- Teeth that feel smoother, or small gaps you didn't notice before, once tartar has been removed.
Can you eat and drink straight away?
Usually, yes. After a fluoride treatment your dentist may ask you to wait a little while before eating or drinking so the fluoride can work, so follow the instructions you're given on the day. If your teeth feel sensitive, lukewarm food and drinks are more comfortable for a day or two.
How should you care for your teeth afterwards?
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently along the gum line, even if it bleeds a little.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Rinse with warm salty water if your gums feel tender.
- Try a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth if cold drinks twinge.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and drink water.
What if you have treatment planned?
If your check-up found something that needs attention, like a filling or a deeper gum clean, try not to leave it too long. Small problems are usually simpler to fix early. If you're unsure what was recommended or why, call us and we'll go over it again. You can also read about bleeding gums and sensitive teeth.
When is your next check-up?
Most people benefit from a check-up and clean every six months, but your dentist may suggest more or less often based on your gums, your history and your health. Book your next visit before you forget. To read about the visit itself, see our check-up and clean page.
Other questions people ask
Is it normal for my gums to bleed after a clean?
A little bleeding when you brush over the next day or two is common, especially if your gums were inflamed. It should settle as your gums heal. Keep brushing gently.
Why do my teeth feel strange or gappy after a clean?
Tartar can build up between teeth and around the gum line. Once it has gone, your tongue notices the spaces and smoother surfaces. It usually feels normal again within a few days.
My teeth are sensitive after the clean. What helps?
Short-term sensitivity to cold is common and usually settles. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. If it lasts more than a couple of weeks, let us know.
When should I book my next check-up?
Your dentist will recommend a recall that suits your risk. For most people it is every six months.
Can I drink coffee after a clean?
Follow any advice about waiting after the fluoride treatment. After that, coffee and tea are fine, although rinsing with water afterwards helps reduce staining.