At Whole Dental Wellness, we’re all about helping you smile brighter, feel better, and stay healthier—from your teeth to your entire body. While a deep teeth cleaning means you’re already on the path to improved oral health,  the job isn’t done when you leave the dentist’s chair. In fact, what you do (or don’t do) afterward can make a big difference in your healing, comfort, and results.

In this handy guide, we’ll break down what you should avoid after a deep cleaning, why it matters, and how to make the most of your treatment. Brought to you by the compassionate, professional team at Whole Dental Wellness in Metro Detroit, think of it as your go-to resource for post-cleaning care. 

What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Also known as scaling and root planing, a deep teeth cleaning goes beyond the standard cleaning you get during a regular dental visit. It’s typically recommended for patients with gum disease (also known as periodontitis or gingivitis) or those showing signs of plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.

A deep cleaning procedure usually involves two elements: 

1. Scaling to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath the gums
2. Root planing to smooth the roots of your teeth, thereby allowing gums to reattach more securely

While deep teeth cleaning is a highly effective treatment for gum disease, it can leave your gums feeling temporarily sensitive or inflamed. That’s why taking special care of your mouth afterward is essential.

Deep Teeth Cleaning FAQ

Read on for a roundup of the most frequently asked questions we hear about deep teeth cleaning. 

What Shouldn’t I Eat After a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Because your gums may feel tender or sore after your appointment, it’s best to avoid the following: 

Hot foods

High temperatures can irritate sensitive tissues.

Spicy foods

Spicy seasonings may cause stinging or discomfort.

Crunchy and/or hard foods

Foods like chips, nuts, raw vegetables, or crusty snacks and bread can disturb healing gums.

Chewy and/or sticky foods

Caramel, taffy, gum, and similar items may pull at gum tissues or lodge in sensitive areas.

Sugary

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria, which is exactly what you're trying to eliminate.

All of which begs the question: What should you eat after a deep teeth cleaning? We recommend sticking with nourishing soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, smoothies, and lukewarm soups. 

How Long After a Deep Cleaning Can I Drink Coffee?

We get it—coffee is life. However, after a deep cleaning, it’s wise to wait at least a few hours before taking a sip. Why? Because coffee is:

• Acidic, which can irritate your freshly cleaned gums
• Hot, which can increase inflammation
• Staining, which is especially counterproductive right after a cleaning

Plan on giving your gums a full 24 hours to settle down before drinking coffee. Or, consider choosing iced coffee (without sugar!) to minimize irritation. And be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. 

Can I Eat Pizza After a Deep Cleaning?

While we love pizza as much as anyone in Metro Detroit, we recommend holding off for at least 24 to 48 hours post-treatment—especially if your pizza is hot, crusty, or loaded with spicy toppings.

Once that initial healing window has passed (and if your gums feel good and your dentist hasn't advised otherwise), you can ease back into more textured foods. Just be sure to chew gently and maintain excellent hygiene for both teeth and gums by following your dentist’s care instructions.

How Do I Care for My Teeth After a Deep Cleaning? 

Speaking of your dentist’s care instructions, here’s a closer look at Whole Dental Wellness-approved best practices for post-deep cleaning care: 

Stay hydrated

Water helps flush bacteria and keeps tissues healthy.

Brush gently

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be extra-gentle around sore, potentially sensitive areas.

Rinse with salt water

A warm saltwater rinse consisting of 1/2 tsp per cup of water can ease soreness and reduce bacteria.

Avoid tobacco

Smoking slows healing and worsens gum disease.

Stick to follow-up appointments

Regular visits help your dental team track your progress and provide additional care as needed.

What Are the Side Effects of Deep Cleaning Teeth?

While a professionally-conducted deep teeth cleaning is a safe and effective procedure, you might notice some common, temporary side effects, including the following: 

• Gum soreness and/or tenderness
• Mild bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
• Swelling or inflammation near the gumline
• A slightly different bite feel (resulting from the absence of buildup combined with healing gum tissue) 

These symptoms typically subside within a few days. But if anything feels extreme or lasts more than a week, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Whitney D. Weiner and her team at Whole Dental Wellness. We’re always happy to help.

Your Partner in Whole-Body Oral Health

We believe great dentistry goes beyond teeth here at Whole Dental Wellness.  It’s about empowering you to feel your best through education, prevention, and care targeted to support your total wellness. This includes making sure you know how to safeguard your smile after a professional teeth cleaning.

If you have questions about your deep cleaning of teeth, recovery, or another dental concern, we’d love to hear from you. And if it’s been a while since your last checkup, there’s nothing we’d like more than the chance to help you get back on track together.

Ready for your healthiest smile yet? A deep dental cleaning in Metro Detroit is an excellent place to start. To discover just how comfortable and effective modern dental care can be, book your next visit with Whole Dental Wellness in Roseville or Birmingham.